The successful re-introduction and re-establishment of an animal by wildlife conservationists is often announced with a fanfare.
Be it beaver, that are now living wild in Britain, the propagation and release of the large blue butterfly, or the amazing revival of red kite and otter, both of which can now be found in every county of the UK.
All these creatures have one thing in common; it was human activity that led to their decline or extinction, but our intervention and efforts that brought about their recovery.
There is one animal, a relatively large mammal (certainly in UK terms) that few people have heard of but has a fascinating story of sad decline and miraculous resurgence.
(Image: Tom Hibbert)
This animal’s rapid spread across the country has happened with very little notice paid to it, and right under our noses.
For the polecat has achieved it without the usual pandering, project funding, years of research and frequent press releases.
This charismatic species, from its small enclave in remote central Wales, has spread back across the English countryside, reaching East Anglia about a decade ago.
Now, here in Norfolk, sightings of this once rare mammal are increasing every year.
The polecat is not a cat at all, but a Mustelid, belonging to the same........