However, as their numbers are increasing, there must be enough mature trees for their natural nests. We did not see any pine martens on our tour, but this was expected as we were there during the day. We kept a watch out for scat (pine marten poo) on the paths, their favourite site, to be rewarded instead by many Dor beetles which have wonderful greeny-blue iridescent bodies.
Jamie told us that many volunteers help to monitor the pine martens, which is so important now that they are starting to increase in their ancestral homes, after they were taken to the point of extinction many years ago.
This was his last official guided walk in the Forest of Dean, as Jamie is moving back to Somerset with the RSPB later this year. Good luck in your new post, Jamie!
Report by Liz Wintle Photos by Liz Wintle & Andrew Harrison