He's talking about how successful the introduction of pine marten was in county Laois and Offaly was in Ireland. I'm from county Laois and saw my first red squirrel in the wild just last week... It's obviously working. Unfortunately our eco systems are destroyed with very few natural predators in the wild- these reintroductions are hugely important.
Pretty common in Scotland I am from the Scottish Highlands I found one in a tree and yesterday when my dad was driving we spotted one at the side of the road and it turned round and looked at us for a second then ran into the bushes.
@@Skbrvrisjsbdvetjtrbejudb they should be reintroduced in the Highlands at least. Reintroducing predators is such a simple way to restore vegetation growth.
Thanks for posting , the Pine Marten also will be an effective counter to the invasive North American Grey Squirrel.Wales was the last stronghold of pine marten's close cousin , the Polecat , which has recovered quite well & has recolonised much of England as far as Norfolk Hope to see the Pine Marten back & established in England.
Red Squirrels are very much better at avoiding Pine Martens than their American cousins, as they are able to go out onto the thinnest of branches whereas the Grey being heavier can't. This makes it much more vulnerable to Pine Marten predation.
@@p51dgp91 it’s a predator, ofc it’s going to hunt anything it can catch, the whole reason predators exist is to control the populations of prey species and eliminate other competitors, Martens might be a tad ruthless but the benefits it brings to the forest as a top predator are keys to a healthy ecosystem.
I met one one night walking back from the pub in Wicklow Ireland about 4 am. It was in the death throes it seems. I presumed it had just been knocked down moments before. That particular road is deserted that late at night and lots of people drive way beyond the speed limit as there is nobody on the road. Anyway I couldnt see any injuries, but it was fading fast. I remember its beautiful bushy tail and razor sharp teeth. I decided to move along to let it die in peace. I went back the next morning on foot and there was no sign of the body. I cant imagine it was able to crawl away out of sight as it was nearly spent when I left it, so I presumed a fox helped itself. It looked in great condition. That was at least 10 years ago. I remember it well.
One hundred years from now Britain is going to have the most rocking ecosystems thanks to all the rewinding efforts happening in various parts of the country now. The country is going to be absolutely teeming with wildlife including pine martens. Old growth forests are very where with massive trees. Beavers, wild boar, lots of deer of all three kinds, wild horses, wisents, aurochs, lynx, bears, wolves, Scottish wildcats, and all Manner of birds butterflies and wild flowers. One hundred years from now the UK will be a forested Serengeti!
Would love to see this species thrive all through the UK! My challenge when I have time is to try and get a good photo of the pine Martin in Wales. But as you say it will be very hard!
Red squirrels are smaller and can climb higher in trees and out further to light branches than the grey squirrel can, so the can evade pine martens more easily. I only saw my first red squirrel in Ireland a couple of weeks back in a woodland area... We're infested with greys as well.
Ireland definitely was anyway. Until the Normans came about to build their ships, etc. Ulster was predominantly woodland until the 17th century before they were cleared for the ulster plantations. I presume Britain was a similar eco system.
How wooded would depend on the number of auroxes and bisons. Those are the wood clearing species in Europe. Of course, lightening strikes would have had an impact on the woodland.
@@thomasbrennan819 This is a myth. Britain and Ireland would have had extensive grasslands due to large grazing animals. Ironically, it was only once humans killed off the large grazers that grasslands disappeared. This has only become understood recently as we have experimented with rewilding.
I like Eurasian Red Squirrels I like and I like every member of the Mustelidae without exception, so I'm all for it. but how to help the native Crayfish against the Rusty Crayfish?
Otters have actually been able to reduce their numbers for the native ones to thrive again in certain areas of the UK and Europe so that’s how we help them.
Red squirrels' defense mechanism against pine martens is to jump onto small branches that can't support the pine marten's weight. Grey squirrels are too heavy to use those small branches, so the pine martens have an easier time hunting them.
@@redmohawkguy1 I suppose predation of other species will occur but is natural and eventually some sort of balance will be restored. How curious, that if the pine marten hadn't been hunted to near extinction, it could have halted the grey squirrel's conquest of territory at the expense of the red.
Foxes might prey on Martens if they’re on the ground, as for Badgers I don’t know maybe they’ll just leave them since they’re both Weasels or might kill it
I have just published a study on urban pine martens in Holland. Don't rule them out where least expected. The lack of research turned out to be a big problem for many species adapting to urban sprawl. And never trust a camera trap for research purposes. They miss 99% of the time.
You should capture them here in the Netherlands and release them in the UK. They're slowly becoming a pest here. Too many predators not enough prey. Feral cats are the biggest problem though
You can learn more about the pine marten, including its distribution in Scotland, here: www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/. Please do get in touch via our website if you would like further information.
Thanks for that - v.interesting website and great to see a pop. in southern Scotland. It mentions possible re-introductions in southern England and I'm just trying to think where in southern England would be suitable for a population of pine martens? I've heard the Thetford forest in Norfolk is huge. Any ideas?
We are currently working with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission to study the feasibility of reintroducing pine martens to the Forest of Dean (see: www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/pinemarten). Again, if you would like to contact the Pine Marten Recovery Project directly please do so via the website.
I never knew ALL wildlife in Britain was extinct....the Isle became a wildlife graveyard....this is so unbelievable!..... and nobody talked about it for decades....and no public outrage....only few stepped in and started fighting for rewilding and reintroductions.....such beautiful cute creature...all but gone...
They are voracious predators who kill huge numbers of birds , eat chicks and eggs . They are far from cute . Ridiculous money spent on eradicating mink but encouraging these killers in their place !
@@2msvalkyrie529 Biggest threat in terms of predators are free roaming cats. They kill more of our native species than any other wild predator. They should be addressed more than any other animal.
Please contact me, me and my partner definitely saw one today in east Cheshire whioe we were fishing. It wasn't a mink , it was too small and red with the light coloured chest!
Why put such efforts to re-introduce an Indiscriminate murderous killer of all manner of wildlife; birds, rabbits, voles, hares, squirrels, proven to disturb tawny owls, badgers. Perhaps we are better off without them. Trying to eradicate grey squirrels is going to be an endless struggle, an un-winnable war given how strong the population is.
I am an old man and I have never seen a Pine Marten and therefore I don't miss it, so let nature take its course, else you can kill all humans and save the Pine Martens !
It needs to be done to restore a natural balance. This is the best way to get the greys. Humans will never be able to kill them all. The species is extinct out of Scotland so surely we are obligated to return what we took from our woods!
How can it not be a good idea if they are a native species. If anything they control bird populations and bring the eco system back into balance... The birds may have been over populated in the first place.
The wild boar is still basically native to the land. But since there are no wolves, bears and lynxes, the control mechanism is not there. The birds may be struggeling due to cats, crows, seagulls and grey squirrels. In some cases the red fox is a problem. Crows and seagulls are predators. There may be too many because landfills used to be open and gave them a boost.
Poor little grey squirrels. , I get the issues but I do not believe in catching and killing them . They are living creatures and we have no right to just kill everything because we think it's a nuisance . Human intervention created the issue. Murdering them is very unfair. If they are part of a food chain then so be it. , Let the pine martens and other wildlife do the job. Naturally. Lots of people have squirrels as pets these days. Time to review the insane 'killing laws' around these and all creatures. Archaic and unacceptable.just saying.
Hello, the Martins were introduced in my area of Wales. Sure, they've eaten all the greys. They've also taken the rat and vole problem to a manageable level. Red squirrels are due to be introduced soon. Sure, i miss the grey squirrels. Now, back to aw poor things. Back in the 80s people were breaking into the old fur 'factorys' and releasing mink near us. Those mink decimated the local wildlife within a few years, and we were still having problems until the Martins came back. We messed with nature, so the balance is restored again. Messing with mama nature needs to stop.
He's talking about how successful the introduction of pine marten was in county Laois and Offaly was in Ireland. I'm from county Laois and saw my first red squirrel in the wild just last week... It's obviously working.
Unfortunately our eco systems are destroyed with very few natural predators in the wild- these reintroductions are hugely important.
Pretty common in Scotland I am from the Scottish Highlands I found one in a tree and yesterday when my dad was driving we spotted one at the side of the road and it turned round and looked at us for a second then ran into the bushes.
where does the i am only 13 fit into that
lol
How lovely. You're very lucky to live in such a wonderful place.
I love what you are doing! Thank you so much!
Just photographed one tonight,after 2 months of waiting for the shot , here in Wicklow Ireland , its is totally wild , they really are beautiful
Any chance of bringing back the wolf, bear and Lynx? Make things interesting.
Chuckle chuckle..................
i second that for real
There are discussions about the lynx reintroduction, but the government keeps saying no
@@Skbrvrisjsbdvetjtrbejudb they should be reintroduced in the Highlands at least. Reintroducing predators is such a simple way to restore vegetation growth.
@@thomasbrennan819 The Highlands aren't exactly in shortage of vegetation.
Great video these are actually quite common in our area one in my garden most mornings eats outa the red squirell feeder.
Thanks for posting , the Pine Marten also will be an effective counter to the invasive North American Grey Squirrel.Wales was the last stronghold of pine marten's close cousin , the Polecat , which has recovered quite well & has recolonised much of England as far as Norfolk Hope to see the Pine Marten back & established in England.
I hope it never does recover as it’s a merciless predator of anything it can catch,including red squirrels,it’s a nest robber and a menace.
Red Squirrels are very much better at avoiding Pine Martens than their American cousins, as they are able to go out onto the thinnest of branches whereas the Grey being heavier can't. This makes it much more vulnerable to Pine Marten predation.
@@p51dgp91 it’s a predator, ofc it’s going to hunt anything it can catch, the whole reason predators exist is to control the populations of prey species and eliminate other competitors, Martens might be a tad ruthless but the benefits it brings to the forest as a top predator are keys to a healthy ecosystem.
I met one one night walking back from the pub in Wicklow Ireland about 4 am. It was in the death throes it seems. I presumed it had just been knocked down moments before. That particular road is deserted that late at night and lots of people drive way beyond the speed limit as there is nobody on the road.
Anyway I couldnt see any injuries, but it was fading fast. I remember its beautiful bushy tail and razor sharp teeth. I decided to move along to let it die in peace. I went back the next morning on foot and there was no sign of the body. I cant imagine it was able to crawl away out of sight as it was nearly spent when I left it, so I presumed a fox helped itself. It looked in great condition. That was at least 10 years ago. I remember it well.
I love these very cute animals!!!. Thaks a lot for your job
Thank you. Nothing more, just thank you.
Amazing job guys, how can this channel only have 6 subs?? Please upload more updates on this project.
Thanks Ian! Our UA-cam channel is relatively new so fingers crossed we can grow it a lot more this year.
would they eat grey squirrels
Yes they do.
Yes as they are easy to catch
One hundred years from now Britain is going to have the most rocking ecosystems thanks to all the rewinding efforts happening in various parts of the country now. The country is going to be absolutely teeming with wildlife including pine martens. Old growth forests are very where with massive trees. Beavers, wild boar, lots of deer of all three kinds, wild horses, wisents, aurochs, lynx, bears, wolves, Scottish wildcats, and all
Manner of birds butterflies and wild flowers. One hundred years from now the UK will be a forested Serengeti!
i saw a pine marten in north devon yesterday!
Really? As a Devonian, that is amazing to hear. Hopefully they can thrive down here.
@@Nose02 yes.. It was at Clovelley
@@Survivethejive that’s awesome! In Plymouth so hopefully they can find their way to south Dartmoor. All the best and thanks for the reply
Would love to see this species thrive all through the UK! My challenge when I have time is to try and get a good photo of the pine Martin in Wales. But as you say it will be very hard!
💖
hi, why would pine marten impact the grey squirrel population and not the red squirrels also...?
Red Squirrels evolved alongside Pine Martens.
Red squirrels are smaller and can climb higher in trees and out further to light branches than the grey squirrel can, so the can evade pine martens more easily.
I only saw my first red squirrel in Ireland a couple of weeks back in a woodland area... We're infested with greys as well.
Greys are easier targets , with more meat on them
EPIC VIDEO
Where is this filmed?
mid Wales
When the uk was completely covered in woodland really are you sure because I don't think it ever was.
Opinions differ on how much 'wildwood' covered Britain before clearances began - no-one knows for sure.
Ireland definitely was anyway. Until the Normans came about to build their ships, etc. Ulster was predominantly woodland until the 17th century before they were cleared for the ulster plantations.
I presume Britain was a similar eco system.
How wooded would depend on the number of auroxes and bisons. Those are the wood clearing species in Europe.
Of course, lightening strikes would have had an impact on the woodland.
@@thomasbrennan819 This is a myth. Britain and Ireland would have had extensive grasslands due to large grazing animals. Ironically, it was only once humans killed off the large grazers that grasslands disappeared. This has only become understood recently as we have experimented with rewilding.
@@wodenravens Large grazing animals such as?...
There's no doubt about it, humans were the main cause of deforestation.
I like Eurasian Red Squirrels I like and I like every member of the Mustelidae without exception, so I'm all for it. but how to help the native Crayfish against the Rusty Crayfish?
Otters have actually been able to reduce their numbers for the native ones to thrive again in certain areas of the UK and Europe so that’s how we help them.
How curious that the non indigenous grey squirrel cannot coexist with the pine martin but the native red squirrel apparently can.
Red squirrels' defense mechanism against pine martens is to jump onto small branches that can't support the pine marten's weight. Grey squirrels are too heavy to use those small branches, so the pine martens have an easier time hunting them.
@@redmohawkguy1 I suppose predation of other species will occur but is natural and eventually some sort of balance will be restored. How curious, that if the pine marten hadn't been hunted to near extinction, it could have halted the grey squirrel's conquest of territory at the expense of the red.
the greys are to fat and heavy
How does red foxes and badgers influence the pine martens?
Probably not that much, both are ground dwellers while pine martens are arboreal
Foxes might prey on Martens if they’re on the ground, as for Badgers I don’t know maybe they’ll just leave them since they’re both Weasels or might kill it
this was 4 years ago. I bet the game shooting brigade will make sure they won't get much of a foothold
I have just published a study on urban pine martens in Holland. Don't rule them out where least expected. The lack of research turned out to be a big problem for many species adapting to urban sprawl. And never trust a camera trap for research purposes. They miss 99% of the time.
You should capture them here in the Netherlands and release them in the UK. They're slowly becoming a pest here. Too many predators not enough prey. Feral cats are the biggest problem though
It's the human's fault grey squirrels "over proliferated". How ironic for our species to say that about another.
Where can we learn more about the distribution service in Scotland? And what is it?
You can learn more about the pine marten, including its distribution in Scotland, here: www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/. Please do get in touch via our website if you would like further information.
Thanks for that - v.interesting website and great to see a pop. in southern Scotland. It mentions possible re-introductions in southern England and I'm just trying to think where in southern England would be suitable for a population of pine martens? I've heard the Thetford forest in Norfolk is huge. Any ideas?
We are currently working with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission to study the feasibility of reintroducing pine martens to the Forest of Dean (see: www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/pinemarten). Again, if you would like to contact the Pine Marten Recovery Project directly please do so via the website.
good video
I never knew ALL wildlife in Britain was extinct....the Isle became a wildlife graveyard....this is so unbelievable!..... and nobody talked about it for decades....and no public outrage....only few stepped in and started fighting for rewilding and reintroductions.....such beautiful cute creature...all but gone...
Wild animals are in competition with farmers and hunters, that said the pine martin should be recovered to wipe out grey squirrels
They are voracious predators who
kill huge numbers of birds , eat
chicks and eggs . They are far from cute . Ridiculous money spent on eradicating mink but
encouraging these killers in their
place !
@@trevtall1094 Yes. I read about it. Better way than killing them ourselves. Natures way
@@2msvalkyrie529 Biggest threat in terms of predators are free roaming cats. They kill more of our native species than any other wild predator. They should be addressed more than any other animal.
Pine Martens are a native species to the UK. The Mink isn't.
God dammit!
Please contact me, me and my partner definitely saw one today in east Cheshire whioe we were fishing. It wasn't a mink , it was too small and red with the light coloured chest!
Why put such efforts to re-introduce an Indiscriminate murderous killer of all manner of wildlife; birds, rabbits, voles, hares, squirrels, proven to disturb tawny owls, badgers. Perhaps we are better off without them. Trying to eradicate grey squirrels is going to be an endless struggle, an un-winnable war given how strong the population is.
I am an old man and I have never seen a Pine Marten and therefore I don't miss it, so let nature take its course, else you can kill all humans and save the Pine Martens !
Why do you need to kill humans? The two species are not mutually exclusive are they?
Hell yeah, kill the humans
not convinced this is agood idea kill the greys yes but all the bird that are strugling already ???
It needs to be done to restore a natural balance. This is the best way to get the greys. Humans will never be able to kill them all. The species is extinct out of Scotland so surely we are obligated to return what we took from our woods!
How can it not be a good idea if they are a native species. If anything they control bird populations and bring the eco system back into balance... The birds may have been over populated in the first place.
@@thomasbrennan819small birds are struggling already look what happened with the wild boar they are a pest ask the locals
The wild boar is still basically native to the land. But since there are no wolves, bears and lynxes, the control mechanism is not there.
The birds may be struggeling due to cats, crows, seagulls and grey squirrels. In some cases the red fox is a problem.
Crows and seagulls are predators. There may be too many because landfills used to be open and gave them a boost.
Poor little grey squirrels. , I get the issues but I do not believe in catching and killing them . They are living creatures and we have no right to just kill everything because we think it's a nuisance . Human intervention created the issue. Murdering them is very unfair. If they are part of a food chain then so be it. , Let the pine martens and other wildlife do the job. Naturally. Lots of people have squirrels as pets these days. Time to review the insane 'killing laws' around these and all creatures. Archaic and unacceptable.just saying.
Hello, the Martins were introduced in my area of Wales. Sure, they've eaten all the greys. They've also taken the rat and vole problem to a manageable level. Red squirrels are due to be introduced soon. Sure, i miss the grey squirrels. Now, back to aw poor things. Back in the 80s people were breaking into the old fur 'factorys' and releasing mink near us. Those mink decimated the local wildlife within a few years, and we were still having problems until the Martins came back. We messed with nature, so the balance is restored again. Messing with mama nature needs to stop.