Pine martens are cat-sized members of the mustelid family alongside stoats, weasels, polecats, badgers and otters. Once widespread across the UK, they became extremely rare due to habitat loss and human activity.
Today, pine martens are making a comeback. They play an important role in keeping woodland ecosystems healthy and balanced.
About pine martens
As native omnivores (eating both plants and animals), pine martens help maintain the balance of woodland life by feeding on whatever is most abundant throughout the seasons.
Pine marten statistics
- Lifespan: up to eight years.
- Length (excluding tail):
- males 51-54cm
- females 46-54cm
- Weight:
- males 1.5-2.2kg
- females 0.9-1.5kg
Pine marten habitat and diet
Pine martens prefer well-wooded areas with plenty of cover. They often make their dens in hollow trees or among the fallen roots of pine trees - which is likely where their name comes from. They'll also use cliffs and rocky hillsides when suitable woodland isn’t available.
Pine martens are opportunistic feeders, eating what they can, when they can. Their diet includes small rodents, birds, insects, and fruit.
Breeding and lifecycle
Up to five young are born in early spring. They are born blind and without fur, and rely entirely on their mother.The young stay with their mother for around six weeks and usually leave the den by mid-June.
Did you know? Pine martens have semi-retractable claws, which makes them great tree climbers.
Pine marten conservation and recovery
Pine martens were once found across much of the UK, but their numbers dropped dramatically due to habitat loss and human pressures.
In 2019, we released 18 pine martens into the Forest of Dean as part of efforts to help restore the species. Since then, populations across England have begun to recover, marking an important step forward for woodland wildlife.
Why pine martens matter
Pine martens play a key role in keeping woodland ecosystems healthy. By feeding on a wide range of species, they help keep natural populations in balance. They help control grey squirrel number, who damage trees and threaten the survival of native red squirrels.
Pine marten recovery is a positive sign that forests are becoming richer and more resilient habitats for wildlife.
Pine marten appearance
Pine martens have long bodies, bushy tails and rich, brown fur. One of their most distinctive features is a cream or yellow throat patch, known as a “bib”.
They also have round ears and relatively small legs, similar to other members of the mustelid family.
Spotting pine martens
Pine martens are elusive and can be difficult to spot in the wild. They're most active at dawn and dusk, but you’re more likely to notice signs they're nearby rather than see one yourself. Look out for:
- droppings (often containing fur, feathers or berry seeds).
- tracks in soft ground.
- movement or sounds in trees.
Frequently asked questions about pine martens
Pine martens are mammals. They are cat-sized members of the mustelid family alongside stoats, weasels, polecats, badgers and otters.
Pine martens are about the size of a domestic cat. They have:
- long bodies.
- bushy tails.
- brown fur.
- a cream or yellow throat patch.
- round ears.
- relatively small legs.
Pine martens are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They eat other small mammals, rodents, birds, insects, and fruit.
No, they are not dangerous. Pine martens are shy creatures and tend to avoid people.
Pine martens are most active at dawn or dusk, but sightings are very rare as they are shy and will avoid being seen if possible.
Yes, pine martens are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
