Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 15 on 18/7/2004.

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Scottish resident with a sweet tooth

Pine martens used to be common but not any more. Graham Holliday goes in search of the elusive distant relative of the stoats and weasel

The Pine marten, with its distinctive cream coloured throat, was once widespread throughout Britain. As a result of deforestation, hunting and persecution, numbers of this carnivorous mammal were severely decimated by the beginning of the 20th century. It is now confined to the forested areas of the north and west of Scotland with only small populations in north Wales and northern England.

It is protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, meaning it cannot be trapped, disturbed or sold without a special licence. However, on occasion they are still caught in traps intended for crows and foxes. In recent times the pine marten population has increased significantly due to the growth in commercial forestry and the regeneration of native woodland.

Wildlife spotters now have a good chance of seeing pine martens in the wild. Good places to head for include Sunart Oakwoods, near Loch Sunart, Kilmichael Forest in Argyll and Bute and Glen Affric in the Highlands.

The mixed woodland and oakwood of Sunart Oakwoods is managed by the Forestry Commission Scotland and private owners and provides a perfect home for pine martens. The ground was previously planted with conifers, but with the support of the local community the conifers are being removed and the oakwood habitat restored. The project started in 1992 and is set to run until 2005.

“Pine martens are abundant locally, but as with most wildlife you would be lucky to spot one just on a walk – although it does happen,” say.....

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By Graham Holiday

Section : Scottish Wildlife

Page number : 22