Andrew said that he reported the sighting to the trust, which confirmed it was a pine marten from its distinctive cream-coloured “bib-shaped” chest marking.
Dr Louisa Mamalis, the trust’s monitoring and evidence manager, explained that the native species, which are related to weasels, were once common but declined during the 18th and 19th Century due to hunting and the loss of vital woodland habitats.
“They’re also really slow breeders, which makes this a really beautiful and special thing to see,” she said.
Mamalis added that the trust was one of several conservation groups involved in the South East Pine Marten Restoration Project, which is assessing whether the mammals could survive and thrive if reintroduced to Sussex.
“There’s plenty of potential there, but maybe this little one has already beaten us to it,” she said.
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