A CREATURE that a decade ago was considered to be extinct in Shropshire is now being seen in the county.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust say that 2021 was a great year for pine martens in the county having moved into the area in recent years.

Just 10 years ago, it thought they were extinct in the county, but this year it recorded evidence that they are breeding here!

‘Let’s hope that even more woodland can be created in 2022, for martens and other wildlife,’ say the group in a post.

The Pine Marten that is a carnivore is considered an endangered species in England and Wales as much of its woodland habitat has been lost.

They are more common in the Scottish Highlands and some have migrated over the border into England.

Pine marten receives full protection under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The Shropshire Wildlife Trust has video of Pine Martens on its social media platform that has been taken by hidden cameras at night as the creatures forage.