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Rare footage shows the "significant and unexpected" sighting of a previously extinct pine marten - in Cornwall. Kernow Conservation recorded the animal during routine monitoring on the Trewithen Estate, near Truro, where staff have been working collaboratively on habitat restoration and long-term ecological recovery. The footage was captured on director David Carrier's camera traps - which are currently deployed as part of ongoing monitoring following last year's water vole reintroduction. The cameras also help provide the team with a wider picture of how wildlife is using the site. Pine martens were once common in the South West - but a loss of their woodland habitat and human persecution resulted in their extinction. David said: "The footage was captured earlier this week on one of my camera traps within the beaver enclosure at Trewithen Estate. "In this case, they recorded a pine marten moving through the area, which was completely unexpected. "Pine martens were once native to Cornwall but have been absent for over a century, and there have only been a very small number of recent confirmed sightings in the county. "So to capture one on camera like this is a really significant moment. "There hasn't been any confirmed breeding in Cornwall in living memory." The Wildlife Trust said the nocturnal species are "very hard to spot" and are largely confined to the north of the UK - but reintroductions are helping them make a comeback. The animals can be found in Scotland and Ireland, with reintroductions in Dartmoor, Exmoor, Cumbria and the Forest of Dean. David added the sighting is "encouraging" for the species and wider habitat restoration. David said: "As habitats are restored and better connected, we start to see signs of species returning, and this feels like one of those moments." (Footage by SWNS via Getty Images)