Pine marten Box

Species: Pine marten (Martes martes). Irish name: Cat crainn.

Pine martens are elusive mammals that require secure nesting spaces to raise their young and rest. They will make their dens in various places such as, large tree cavities, rock faces, or at times buildings.

A member of the Mustelid family, the pine marten is closely related to the badger and stoat. They are relatively small, with adults being up to 60cm in length, approximately the same size as the average domestic cat.

Pine marten den boxes can provide additional opportunities for secure breeding. The boxes are typically made from durable materials like wood, with a wide entrance hole and a hollowed-out interior to offer shelter. These boxes should be placed in mature woodlands, forest edges, or areas with a mix of trees and dense undergrowth, which provide both shelter and a good supply of food, such as birds, small mammals, and fruit.