Pine marten caught on camera in Suffolk nature reserve 'first'

A pine marten, a rare and elusive mammal, was filmed for the first time in Suffolk at Benacre National Nature Reserve. The footage was captured by a camera trap installed to monitor predators affecting ground-nesting birds. The sighting is considered historic for wildlife recording in the county, as pine martens are primarily nocturnal and difficult to observe in the wild.

Natural England, which manages the reserve, stated that the presence of the pine marten reflects a healthy ecosystem where predators and prey coexist. The reserve supports a diverse range of wildlife, including rare plants and breeding birds such as marsh harrier, bearded reedling, and bittern.

Pine martens were once widespread across Britain but declined due to habitat loss and persecution, making them rare in England. Their nearest previous recorded sighting was in Norfolk in 2024, highlighting the significance of this discovery in Suffolk.

Camera traps will continue to monitor predators and disturbance at the reserve to protect ground-nesting birds like little terns and avocets during breeding season. This supports Natural England’s broader efforts to restore and connect habitats across England through the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves.