Pine marten den box trials
Words by Roland Ascroft
Pine martens will use elevated den sites in old trees. Coniferous forest plantations provide few such den sites, but pine martens will use artificial den boxes where they are provided (Croose et al 2016). A long-term study of den boxes and their use by pine martens for breeding (raising kits) and winter shelter took place in the Galloway Forest, Scotland, United Kingdom, ending in 2024.
In January 2024 I acquired 11 old used den boxes from Durham Wildlife Trust. I undertook refurbishment of the boxes, sought out local landowners willing to have them installed, and then recruited volunteers to install them. No external funding was sought but landowners were encouraged to make a donation to Durham Wildlife Trust for each den box installed. Monitoring will employ a thermal imager, a pole camera to check the lid for scat, and trail cameras. It will also be used to continue engagement where the opportunity arises and where appropriate. In addition to the practical aim, it is hoped that this project will continue to engage people in nature conservation, specifically of this native carnivore, and to raise awareness of the expected pine marten range expansion in north-east England.