South East Pine Marten Restoration Project Updates

Social and ecological feasibility studies 2024

In 2024, the South East Pine Marten Restoration Project will be conducting social and ecological feasibility studies to assess whether a) the habitat in the South East is suitable for pine martens to live (ecological feasibility) and b) how local people feel about the project (social feasibility). 

Through our ecological feasibility studies, we will test for a wide range of biodiversity factors using scientific survey techniques to determine whether the High Weald is a good place for pine martens to live. This will include questions like ‘Will pine martens have enough food to eat’ and ‘will they have enough space for a population to thrive'?. 

Social feasibility will be determined through engaging with local people, listening to their thoughts and ideas and incorporating them into the project strategy that we are co-developing with the stakeholder working group. By talking to stakeholders from the very beginning, we can understand whether there is enough support for the project to happen as we are still at the very early stages. Look out for opportunities to share your thoughts on this page. We want to hear from you!