Providing evidence-based information Improving Pine Marten – Human Coexistence

Impacts of our pine marten work

Number of pine marten den boxes distributed 60

Number of information videos produced for householders 2

Number of views of the dedicated pine marten information website 80,000

What are the issues?

Pine marten populations are recovering successfully across Ireland, leading to more frequent encounters with people. The scarcity of natural denning sites often drives these animals to seek alternative shelters, such as attic spaces in people's homes, while poultry presents a tempting food source. Conflicts between pine martens, householders, and farmers could increase if not managed successfully.

Vincent Wildlife Trust is working to improve pine marten-human coexistence by:

Research and trialling methods to minimise problems
Supplying accessible up-to-date information (www.pinemarten.ie)
Organising National Symposia and Workshops to share information and experience
Responding to queries

Photo: ©Robert Cruickshanks

One of the videos created to help householders ensure their houses are pine marten proof.

Ongoing work

VWT's work

Through these initiatives Vincent Wildlife Trust aims to equip people with the knowledge and tools to reduce the potential for conflicts and to address challenges quickly and effectively when they arise. This will encourage better coexistence between pine martens and the public while ensuring the conservation of this species.