Film | On the trail of pine martens | Discover wildlife

Pine martens are elusive and difficult to watch in the wild, so when I track down an adorable pine marten family in Scotland's Ardnamurchan peninsula I get a rare glimpse into their secret, wild lives.

These pine martens were filmed on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the west coast of Scotland where there is a thriving population. In the 1900’s predator control and habitat loss almost drove this species to extinction in the UK and these animals are still very rare in England. To find the pine martens I look for scat piles, droppings that these animals, like most mustelids use to mark their territory with their droppings. Pine martens are mostly nocturnal, but can be active during the day. In the wild, pine martens eat anything from fruits and berries to small mammals and birds. To encourage one to show itself, I spread peanut butter onto a rock and a woodland branch.

Pine martens are extremely agile and can climb vertical tree trunks with ease. They have long sharp claws which help them grip on slippery rocks and trees.
Pine martens are mostly solitary, until the breeding season, which is July and August. So, when I spot three on my cameras I know it must be a family. The youngsters are so playful! Its great to see so many pine martens thriving here on the Ardnamurchan peninsula!