Pine Marten
When Britain and Ireland were largely covered in forest, the Pine Marten was the second most common carnivore in Britain. Unfortunately, the clearance of this woodland together with predator control has had a devastating effect on the population of this charismatic mammal and by 1915 this species was confined to just a few of the more remote areas across Britain and Ireland.
The Scottish Highlands remains its stronghold, with a population of around 4,000, in areas where habitat is suitable for Pine Marten. Encouragingly there is now conclusive evidence of a Pine Marten having been seen in Shropshire; the first sighting in over 100 years. Plenty of trail cameras have been placed around the area in the hope of more sightings. One day I hope they will regain their status as a common mammal in England, but for now I’m happy to make the journey north to the Ardnamurchan peninsula to see them.