A PUBLIC engagement campaign ahead of the release of pine martens into the wilds of Exmoor continues at the end of the month with a family picnic in Dulverton.

The ‘pine marten picnic’ will be held on Exmoor Lawns, next to the River Barle, as part of the Exmoor Nature Festival.

It is being organised on Saturday, May 31, by Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT), which is helping to reintroduce pine martens to the moors for the first time since they went extinct in the late 1800s.

About 20 of the animals will be freed in secret locations in the autumn of this year, following a successful release on Dartmoor in September of last year.

The picnic, which will be held from 11 am to 3 pm, will include nature crafts, face painting fun, poetry discovery, and storytelling.

Devon Wildlife Trust field officer Ali North is holding drop-in sessions about plans to release pine martens on Exmoor.
Devon Wildlife Trust field officer Ali North is attending drop-in sessions for land owners and managers to discuss the planned release of pine martens on Exmoor. ( )

Families are being encouraged to make sandwiches from pine marten-inspired food sources such as peanut butter, egg, or jam, for ‘a delicious combination of savoury and sweet flavours’.

A SWT spokesperson said: “Pine martens live in forested areas, and roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are a great way to evoke the earthy flavours of the woods.”

A pine marten needle felting workshop has already been held in the Exmoor Pony Centre for people to learn how to needle felt their very own pine marten with guidance from The Woolly Nannas.

The day included a one-hour talk with a question and answer session on the wildlife trust’s ‘Pine Martens Bounce Back Project’ for people to learn more about the reintroduction of the animals.

The SWT spokesperson said: “The project is reintroducing critically endangered pine martens to the South West of England, helping to restore natural balance to our much loved woodlands and bringing back these fascinating wild creatures to the landscapes where they once belonged.

“This project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Forestry England, and a number of generous donors.”

A pine marten takes its first step into wilds of the Westcountry. PHOTO: Devon Wildlife Trust. Dartmoor Exmoor
A pine marten taking its first step into wilds of Dartmoor when it was released last autumn. PHOTO: Devon Wildlife Trust. ( )

Next month, project partner Devon Wildlife Trust is planning a series of drop-in events for land owners and managers to meet field officer Ali North in South Molton, Allerford, Wheddon Cross, and Holford.

A spokesperson said: After an absence of 150 years, pine martens are being reintroduced to the South West of England.

“This is the aim of the Two Moors Pine Marten Project, which is restoring this missing link in our woodland environment on Dartmoor and Exmoor and helping people live alongside these amazing animals once more.

“The pine marten is a stealthy, acrobatic hunter that relies on the cover of woods and trees for its foraging missions.

“It was once a fundamental part of our woodlands, but it is now critically endangered in England and Wales.

“As a result, we risk losing a beautiful, fascinating wild creature that plays a key role in the health of our woodlands.

“The return of pine martens to this area will be a positive step in restoring the fortunes of local wildlife at a time when it faces huge challenges.”