Pine martens are extremely rare in the UK and are offered full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Previously thought to be extinct in England, the first confirmed pine martin scat was found in Cumbria via DNA testing in 2011 and in 2015 the first picture was taken confirming a sighting in Shropshire. Den boxes have proved to be a successful conservation tool in Scotland with boxes occupied year after year. Pine martens use den boxes to raise their young, avoid predation or just as a shelter from bad weather. This pine marten box can be used to provide artificial breeding sites where natural sites (such as tree cavities) are rare or absent.
The Pine Marten den box has been specifically designed based on the Vincent Wildlife Trusts Den Box featuring a similar size to natural den sites and good thermal insulation from the use of thick timber and boarding. There is minimal heat loss and good rain/snow protection by using close fitting panels with edged entrance holes at the base and roof.
The den box is designed to last and is constructed from 18mm precision cut FSC Certified exterior grade birch plywood with two strong battens to the back of the box for mounting.
Dimensions:
* Width: 560mm
* Depth: 270mm
* Height: 570mm
*Weight: 14kg
*Material: FSC Certified European Birch Plywood with FSC Certified Softwood Batten
*Construction: Panels stapled together with surface sunk staples
*Finish: Non-toxic water based satin and preservative
*Fixing: Battens on back of box
*Recommended height: 4m above ground