VWTImpactReport28Oct2025PT - Flipbook - Page 18
©David Baird
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Pine marten population recovery
©Robert Cruickshanks
What is VWT’s impact?
Pine martens are recovering through the reinforcement of
populations by translocation and subsequent recolonisation
into the wider landscape, reversing the status of this
critically endangered mammal in England and Wales.
VWT has played a pivotal role over the past 50 years in
securing the future of this protected species in Britain and
Ireland, and developed a successful model for carnivore
conservation. Recovered pine marten populations in Ireland
are supported through education measures, forestry and
game management, con昀氀ict mitigation strategies and
support to homeowners. As part of this model, VWT’s work
with local communities has reduced the risk of persecution
and con昀氀ict — for example, by engaging small game shoots
to adopt VWT pine marten exclusion methods.
VWT provided a strategic lead in pine marten population
recovery with the 2021 publication of the Long-Term
Strategic Recovery Plan for Pine Martens in Britain.
Focusing on restoring sustainable pine marten populations
across their former range, this evidence-based resource is
used by Statutory Nature Conservation Organisations when
assessing translocation licence applications by organisations
wanting to replicate VWT’s approach.
Why is there a need?
Pine martens were once widespread across Britain
and Ireland but following drastic declines in the 19th
century, the species was almost wiped out by the
early 20th century through a combination of woodland
clearances and predator control. By 1915 they were
con昀椀ned to a few remote areas across Britain and
Ireland and, from being thought to be the second most
common carnivore, had become the second rarest
carnivore. In Ireland, pine martens are recovering
naturally through a combination of legal protection,
the ban on strychnine use and increased forestry.
In Britain, a small, isolated population survived in
the rocky Highlands of Scotland. These pine marten
populations later became the source of animals for
VWT’s translocation projects.
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Vincent Wildlife Trust 50 Years Impact Report 2025
