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The return of the pine marten
We're going to help this magnificent mustelid reestablish itself in Bowyers Wood in East Sussex
With its quirky gait, bushy brown fur and yellow bib, the pine marten is one of Britain’s most charming woodland creatures. Spotting one in the wild is an extremely rare treat – not only are they secretive, nocturnal animals, but the species was nearly extinct in Britain by World War I and still needs our help.
As part of our woodland protection project at Bowyers, Ecotalk will be using money from your bills to reintroduce this native omnivore in southern England.
Pine martens are excellent climbers and love Britain’s ancient woodlands. Belonging to the mustelid family alongside badgers and weasels, they feed on berries and fruit in the summer, as well as voles, rabbits, eggs and fungi. Their role as medium-sized predators helps maintain the natural balance of the British forest ecosystem.
For example, in other areas where pine martens have been reintroduced there has been a decline in grey squirrel numbers. In fact, by preying upon non-native grey squirrels, pine martens might help with another of our plans – to reintroduce native red squirrels. The two species can coexist once again, as they did for tens of thousands of years prior to the decline of Britain’s traditional woodlands.
At one time, the pine marten was found the length and breadth of Britain, and during the Stone Age was the second most common predator in the country. However, by 1900 around 95% of Britain’s woodland had been cut down leaving the species on the brink. In addition to losing its habitat, the pine marten was hunted mercilessly until only small populations remained in Scotland and Wales.
As an Ecotalk customer, you’ll be using your mobile phone tariff to help the pine marten reclaim its rightful place in Britain’s forests.
Fact file
Species: European pine marten
Scientific name: Martes martes
Length: 65 to 70cm
Weight: Up to 2kg
Young: Litters of 1 to 5 kits
Territory: 90 to 150 hectares
Status: Protected
If you'd like to become an Ecotalk customer and help species like the pine marten with your mobile phone, visit the Our Deals page of our site and switch!