England’s pine marten population is set to double overnight as the mammal, almost extinct in the country, is reintroduced.

There are thought to be just 20 pine martens left in the country after they were hunted and their woodland habitats were destroyed.

Now, the Wildlife Trusts are releasing 18 into the Forest of Dean, as they attempt to boost numbers and establish a breeding stronghold there.

Once common across Britain, they are only found in large numbers in remote parts of the Highlands and it was thought they would soon become extinct in England.

From the same family as otters and weasels, pine martens were once common among British wildlife. Similar in size to a domestic cat, with slim bodies, brown fur and a distinctive cream ‘bib’ on their throats, they have long, bushy tails and prominent rounded ears.

The reintroduction plan is part of the Government’s 2025 wildlife manifesto, in which they outline the importance of reintroducing animals including otters and polecats.

The pine martens have been moved from Scotland to Gloucestershire, fitted with tracking collars and released into the Forest.

Dr. Catherine McNicol, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Project Manager, will be watching the pine martens via the tracking devices and seeing how they fare in the forest.