Expert guide to pine martens

Pine martens are most active at dusk and are agile treetop hunters. They can leap from tree to tree in pursuit of squirrels, twisting fluidly in mid-air to ensure a safe landing. Pine martens prefer to live alone and are territorial animals, with large territories of 5-20km², depending on availability of food. Shy yet curious, they're usually hard to spot unless it is on the hunt for food!

Pine martens favour well-wooded areas with plenty of cover, where they make their dens and breeding nests in tree hollows and abandoned animal homes. They will also use purpose-built den boxes. If necessary, they will survive in more open habitats such as rocky hillsides and scrubland.

Pine martens are omnivores and have a varied diet. They will eat small mammals such as voles, rabbits, insects and squirrels, as well as seasonal produce such as fruits and berries. They’re very opportunistic and will cheekily devour any leftovers with relish; they are known for their sweet tooth!

Pine martens are sexually mature by 2 or 3 years of age and the females usually give birth in March or April to litters of around 2-5. The young are fully independent around 6 months after their birth; the male pine marten plays no part in rearing the young. In the wild, pine martens have a lifespan of roughly 8-10 years.

We ask our guests to appreciate that they're watching this protected animal in its natural habitat as opposed to a zoo. Pine martens rarely emerge into open space and are most likely to be seen in the evening. If you spot a pine marten near your cabin, we recommend that you stay quiet and don't try to touch it. We don't advise attempting to hand-feed the pine martens; they are opportunistic creatures and can find their own food, which is why you may see them pinching leftover scraps.

As with all nature, the pine marten plays its part in the delicate ecology of the forest. In particular, the pine marten has been credited with reducing the population of the invasive grey squirrel, which has historically pushed out native red squirrels. The theory is that the grey squirrel is clumsier and heavier than the red squirrel and spends more time on the ground, making it easier prey for the nimble pine marten. This means that where pine martens are thriving, the red squirrel population also benefits. The red squirrel has recently been voted Scotland’s second favourite wild animal but there are now only an estimated 150,000 left in the UK, mostly living in rural Scotland and Wales. Let’s hope the pine marten can come to the rescue.