Pine martens in Yorkshire

Since 1994, clearer signs of pine marten presence in Northeast Yorkshire have slowly begun to emerge. A major milestone came in 2017, when the first-ever images of a pine marten in Yorkshire were captured on a trail camera—an exciting moment for local wildlife enthusiasts. Building on this confirmed presence of a small number of pine martens, the Northeast Yorkshire Pine Marten Pathways Project has been created to explore opportunities for supporting their continued survival and recovery in the region.

The Northeast Yorkshire Pine Marten Pathways Project is a partnership of Forestry England, NatureSpy and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The project aims to set the future direction for pine marten recovery in Yorkshire.

The project is currently exploring both ecological and social feasibility to understand:

• Whether local habitats can support a recovering pine marten population alongside other wildlife.
• How local communities perceive pine martens and their potential return.

Insights from these studies will guide recommendations for pine marten recovery that are sensitive to the local ecosystem and reflect the needs and views of the people who live and work in Northeast Yorkshire.

NatureSpy project hub

Learn more about the project’s history, aims, news and more.

Yorkshire Pine Marten Pathways Project – NatureSpy

NatureSpy pine marten FAQs

All your questions answered on the Pathways project - about pine martens, what the project will be doing, and how pine martens and people interact.

NE Yorkshire Pine Marten Pathways FAQs – NatureSpy

Report a pine marten sighting 

Public sightings are an important part of pine marten recovery, helping to build a picture of pine marten presence and guide our conservation work. It’s quick and easy to submit a pine marten sighting in Yorkshire.

Submit a sighting