Have you seen a Pine Marten in Wales

The Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) is renewing its efforts to detect Pine Marten in Wales through the new ‘People & Pine Martens in Wales’ project, funded by The Co-operative. This follows on from the astonishing find of a Pine Marten at Aberhafesp, near Newtown, last year.

VWT has put out an appeal for anyone who thinks they may have seen a Pine Marten in Wales, or knows someone who has, to get in touch. The main Pine Marten ‘hot spots’ in Wales are Carmarthenshire, Snowdonia and the Cambrian Mountains.

"Reporting sightings to the Trust will enable us to focus on the areas in which we think they may be present and so target our work more effectively. The key characteristics of this small cat-sized animal are the large ears, pointed face, long bushy tail and pale chest patch." said David Bavin, the VWT’s new Pine Marten Officer.

Much of the VWT’s work relies on the generosity, time and vigilance of volunteers and members of the public and none more so than with this project: the Pine Marten is nocturnal, elusive and very rare.

The aim of the new project is to promote pine marten conservation and to begin the process of population recovery in Wales. "Pine Martens are attractive, valuable members of our natural heritage and we hope to restore them as a symbol of healthy woodland in Wales." said David.

More details about the project can be found on The Vincent Wildlife Trust’s website at www.vwt.org.uk and follow the link to the Pine Marten sightings form. Alternatively, call David Bavin, the People and Pine Martens in Wales Project Officer directly on 07794 985350 or 01974 282255 or email davidbavin@vwt.org.uk.