Pine marten numbers get a boost in England and Wales

Pine martens are nocturnal animals and favour woodland areas

Conservationists are celebrating after a joint wildlife project has seen an increase in the number of pine martens across parts of the UK.

For the past ten years, experts have been carefully releasing populations of the animals in Wales and parts of south-west England.

They say that more than 100 pine martens have now been successfully introduced from forests in Scotland - where the creatures are mainly found.

According to the team, the project has also had a positive impact on native wildlife and biodiversity.

What's happened?

According to the Woodland Trust, pine martens were once widespread in the UK.

Hunting and cutting down forests meant the species very nearly went extinct.

The joint project between Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) and Forestry and Land Scotland was first started in 2014.

It aims to find thriving populations of pine martens from forests across Scotland which can be carefully moved to create sustainable populations in Wales and England.

The team say that it's proving to be a huge success and that they're delighted with the results.

Not only are the populations in Wales and England increasing in numbers, but they are also spreading beyond the initial release sites.

Conservationists say that pine martens have now returned to many parts of Wales and across the English border counties.

Dr Jenny MacPherson, from VWT, explained: "This project has strengthened populations in parts of Britain and helped provide renewed security for these amazing animals."

Kenny Kortland, from Forestry and Land Scotland, added: "By restoring missing species, we improve the ecological health and resilience of our forests".

Top pine marten facts

1. Pine martens are part of the stoat and weasel family.

2. They are usually chestnut brown in colour with a noticeable pale yellow patch on their chin and throat.

3. Pine martens are shy, nocturnal animals - meaning they are active at night - and can be very hard to spot.

4. They prefer to live in woodlands and are excellent tree climbers.

5. Pine martens have a varied diet which includes everything from fruit and insects to small mammals and even birds.