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A 2022 survey of pine martens, red squirrels, and grey squirrels, carried out across 218 woodlands, found that pine martens were present in almost double the number of sites compared to a previous survey in 2017.

In the past, pine martens were once a common sight across Northern Ireland but habitat loss and persecution in the 19^th century greatly reduced their range. 

The latest survey findings indicate a remarkable turnaround, with pine martens now found throughout all six counties, marking a significant expansion beyond their traditional stronghold in Co Fermanagh.

The survey also brings encouraging news for another priority native mammal, the red squirrel. The number of woodlands surveyed with red squirrels present remains comparable to 2017, suggesting that the population is holding steady at a landscape scale.

The introduction of grey squirrels from North America to Ireland in 1911 decimated native reds as they outcompete their smaller cousin for food and carry the deadly Squirrelpox virus, to which greys are immune.

While the survey showed that the presence of greys had declined slightly since 2017, the most notable decrease was in woodlands surveyed in Co Tyrone, with Co Fermanagh continuing to maintain its status as a sanctuary free from grey squirrels.

This recovery will hopefully boost our much-loved red squirrel populations as we are seeing that in areas with a strong pine marten presence, greys are retracting

“It’s fantastic to see pine martens spreading and returning to areas where they haven't been seen for many years,” said Ross McIlwrath, Priority Species Officer, with Ulster Wildlife.

“This recovery will hopefully boost our much-loved red squirrel populations as we are seeing that in areas with a strong pine marten presence, greys are retracting. Red squirrels have adapted to live alongside these native predators, unlike their non-native counterparts.

“However, we cannot get complacent as red squirrels are still in trouble from grey squirrels and habitat destruction. Many red squirrels have disappeared from small areas of woodlands and urban areas, and have become increasingly isolated and fragmented.

However, we cannot get complacent as red squirrels are still in trouble from grey squirrels and habitat destruction

“We need to continue to work with partners, landowners and local conservation groups to control the spread of greys, create a more connected landscape to allow reds to spread and recover, and ensure continued long-term monitoring of these three species.

“A huge thank you to everyone that took part in the survey, especially the volunteer red squirrel groups across Northern Ireland.”

Ulster Wildlife is encouraging the public to contribute to conservation efforts by reporting their sightings of all three species 

The presence-absence survey was carried out using camera traps and squirrel feeders throughout 2022 by Ulster Wildlife and 15 participating partners, including local red squirrel groups, National Trust, Mourne Heritage Trust, Colin Glen Trust, Belfast Hills Partnership, Black Mountain rewilding Project, ABC Council and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

The survey was supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Read the full survey report 

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