Pine Martens Return to Southwest England After 100-Year Absence

Once hunted to extinction in the region, pine martens—sleek, cat-sized predators—are now breeding in Cornwall’s woodlands for the first time in over a century. Conservationists credit:

• Rewilding efforts introducing martens from Scotland
• Legal protections banning traps and hunting
• Forest restoration creating ideal habitats

Farmers report the martens are naturally controlling invasive grey squirrels, helping native red squirrels rebound.