PINE marten have been spotted in Kielder Water & Forest Park for the first time since planting in 1926.

Camera footage of the animal, installed as part of a red squirrel monitoring project, was first seen by John Hartshorne, who manages the fieldwork and ecology education organisation Albion Outdoors.

John said: “Historically, pine martens were commonplace but habitat clearance and persecution has led to them being eliminated from nearly all of England.”

Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, added: “As a natural predator they have the potential to help manage the grey squirrels and they are a part of our woodland and forestry ecosystem so we need them here.

“Their presence is also great from a nature tourism perspective.

“We look forward to working with Forestry Commission England and the Vincent Wildlife Trust to help them establish a colony over time.”