Pine Marten Surveys

Pine marten receive full protection in the UK. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly: 

• kill, injure or take a wild pine marten; 

• damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which such an animal uses for shelter or protection (a nest or den); and

• disturb such an animal when it is occupying a structure or place for that purpose.

The core population of pine marten is in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, though they have recently recolonised much of Moray, Perth & Kinross and Argyll & Bute, as well as parts of Aberdeenshire and Stirling. There is a small reintroduced population in Galloway and there are growing numbers of unconfirmed sightings in the Scottish Borders. Elsewhere in the UK very small populations at low densities occur in upland areas including the Lake District, Pennines, Cheviots, Snowdonia and the Cambrian Mountains.

If your proposed development is within an area of extensive woodland or forestry in these areas, then it is possible that a pine marten survey will be required. Reuben is able to advise on the need for pine marten survey on a case by case basis and if required will be able to undertake the survey for you.