AFTER being driven to the brink of extinction in the UK, this bright eyed and bushy tailed little chap could soon become a familiar sight in the Forest of Dean.

The pine marten, one of Britain’s rarest mammals, looks set to be re-introduced to the Forest following an extensive two-year study by wildlife experts.

Pine martens are native to Britain and used to be a common sight in woodlands, but were wiped out around 150-years ago.

In the summer of 2016, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust along with a number of partners, launched a feasibility study which has shown that the Forest of Dean and lower Wye Valley has abundant suitable habitat for pine martens.

A series of public meetings and online and on-street public opinion surveys shows strong support for the reintroduction of pine martens to the area of which 71 per cent of people in favour, 26 per cent undecided, and three per cent opposed to a reintroduction.

The study revealed that the region could support nearly 200 pine martens but recommends that if a reintroduction goes ahead, up to 60 animals should be released.

Dr Andrew Stringer, project manager at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “The research that we have carried out over the last two years shows a number of benefits for people and wildlife in the area if pine martens were to be reintroduced."

A decision on whether the project is to go ahead is expected later this year.