Nature has an incredible way of bouncing back, and nothing shines brighter than the return of the pine martens to Exmoor National Park after a century! This heartwarming tale of revival is a testament to dedicated conservation efforts and reminds us of the beauty of rewilding.

In September 2025, excitement buzzed through the air as 19 pine martens—nine lovely females and ten handsome males—were reintroduced into the stunning landscape of Exmoor. It had been over 100 years since these charming creatures called this area home, making their return a monumental milestone in conservation.

These remarkable little animals were born in the lush Highlands of Scotland, where they grew strong and healthy before embarking on an incredible journey. The team from the Two Moors Pine Marten Project, the heart behind this reintroduction, took meticulous care as they transported the martens more than 500 miles to their new home, using a specially designed vehicle to ensure their comfort along the way.

The pine martens arrived in Exmoor and were given time to acclimatize to the new sights and sounds of their surroundings. After three days of exploration from the safety of their pens, the big moment arrived—the doors swung open, and the pine martens hesitated before darting into the wild, igniting joy among both conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tracey Hamston, who leads the project, couldn’t contain her happiness. “It’s wonderful to see pine martens living wild in Exmoor again!” she exclaimed. “These animals once played a vital role in maintaining healthy woodlands, so having them back is a sign that we can restore nature to its former glory.”

Once a common sight in the ancient woodlands, pine martens had faced severe decline due to hunting and the loss of their habitat. Their return signals hope—not just for pine martens but for entire ecosystems across England.

Curiously, across the Atlantic, American marten populations are also making a comeback in Pennsylvania, reflecting the global movement toward rewilding.

In addition to Exmoor, another area participating in this joyful endeavor is Dartmoor National Park. Thanks to these conservation efforts, pine martens are not only settling into their new homes but also beginning to breed, thus ensuring a future for their kind.

Lucie Bennett, from Somerset Wildlife Trust, expressed her pride in being involved in this remarkable project. “Seeing pine martens returning is a wonderful milestone in our efforts to revive the native wildlife of this area,” she said. “Nature needs our help now more than ever, and this positive development gives us hope.”

As these furry wanderers explore their newfound home, they will undoubtedly inspire local communities and reinforce the importance of nurturing our natural spaces. Each paw print on the forest floor echoes a story of revival—a cherished reminder that with concerted effort, we can bring our wildlife back.

Join us in celebrating the heartwarming return of the pine martens!