🎬Video clips from hidden cameras shows signs of successful breeding among the New Forest's pine marten population. The footage was captured by conservation group Wild New Forest as part of a long-term study into how the elusive mammals are recolonising in the area.

The cat-sized member of the weasel family was previously only thought to have survived largely in the North of England.

Marcus Ward of the Wild New Forest conservation group said the footage was "incredible".

🎬Pine martens are extremely rare in Britain. But, this is the second time anyone has filmed a sighting in the New Forest - with one first caught on camera in 2016.

The mammals are elusive members of the weasel family. Experts say pine martens were widespread throughout the country but their numbers began declining in the south around 200 years ago due to habitat loss and predator control measures.

🎬Hidden wildlife cameras have shown evidence of a possible "established population" of pine martens in the New Forest.

Pine martens were previously only thought to have survived in large numbers in the north of England. Wild New Forest members have used camera traps to film the elusive creatures.

🎬British Pathé – Footage of New Forest ponies being rounded up and branded. L/S Pan foresters move away on their horses. M/S Notice "Caution animal roundup". L/S Pan Ponies galloping across moors. L/S Pan forester chasing ponies. L/S Pan another forester chasing more ponies. L/S Pan. As the ponies are herded towards farm enclosure. L/S Pan as one stray pony is chased around to the enclosure. L/S Group of ponies in enclosure. M/S Forester grabs ponies tail to cut it. C/U As he cuts pony's tail. C/U One of the ponies. M/S Another forester cuts pony's tail. L/S Pan the pens and sales ring. M/S Ponies coming into sale ring. L/S Group of ponies in ring. M/S Auctioneer. M/S Pony in the ring. C/U Man watching. L/S Pony and foal in ring. M/S Auctioneer makes sale. L/S The pens and sale ring

🎬British Movietone - Ponies of the New Forest have survived the centuries, but today their future in the unfenced forest is threatened by the motor car. However the annual auction sales still prove their popularity and Hampshire is determined to preserve this example of the England of a bygone age.

British Movietone News ran in the United Kingdom from 1929 to 1986.

🎬Pony Drift: The British "Wild West" BBC Earth. Horse racing in the forest is an excellent occasion to see some breath taking "pony drifts", where riders gather up and herd the ponies at high speeds. The film features many recognizable faces including father and son, Richard and Robert Stride.