Species recovery project Polecat Project

Vincent Wildlife Trust is looking into the feasibility of reintroducing European polecats to northern Scotland, where the species remains absent. Polecats were once widespread across Britain but intensive persecution in the past led to their decline. 

VWT’s National Polecat Surveys have tracked the species’ recovery over the past three decades from their historical refuge in west Wales. The latest survey (2024-2025) shows that polecats have now returned to much of southern Britain but recolonisation of northern Scotland remains highly unlikely without human intervention due to factors such as increased urban barriers in the central belt that have expanded since the decline of the species. 

The project, which runs from January to October 2026, will first assess the suitability of habitats across northern Scotland and will then carry out detailed social and ecological feasibility studies in any areas that have been identified as potential release sites. These studies will include community and stakeholder engagement as well as assessments of disease risk, potential impacts on or conflicts with other species or land users, and will all contribute to evidence-based decisions regarding whether reintroduction is feasible, desirable or not. 

This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot to investigate whether bringing back polecats could help restore ecological balance and biodiversity. VWT will be working with local communities and conservation partners to assess whether it is appropriate and what would be the best approach.