In a heartwarming milestone for conservation, the birth of the first bison conceived within the pioneering rewilding scheme near Canterbury, Kent, has been joyfully announced.
The monumental event brings the total wild bison count in the herd to a thriving six.
A proud spokesperson for Kent Wildlife Trust emphasised the significance of this birth, hailing it as the “best [Christmas] present” for conservation charities, serving as irrefutable evidence of the bison project’s resounding success.
The European bison holds a special place in our ecosystem as the closest living relative to the ancient steppe bison that once freely roamed the British Isles. The rewilding project unfolds in the picturesque landscapes of West Blean and Thornden Woods, near Canterbury, and was officially launched in July 2022 through a partnership between Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust.
The project is an experiment, aiming to revitalise Canterbury’s ancient woodlands with the bison’s natural behaviours. There are hopes that the project will help to solve the biodiversity and habitat crisis, as well as the climate crisis.
Distinguished as the first initiative of its kind in the UK, this groundbreaking project serves as a blueprint for future rewilding endeavours.
The matriarch of the herd, a remarkable 19-year-old European bison, became pregnant shortly after the bull arrived from Germany in December 2022, with a male calf being born in mid-November 2023.
Another young calf was also born into the herd in October 2022, however it was conceived in Ireland, unknown to the rangers working on the new project at the time.
Historically, following World War One, the European bison population faced a dire decline, teetering on the brink of extinction. Mark Habben from Wildwood Trust reflects, “Bison were brought back from the brink of extinction following catastrophic persecution. These animals have been selected from the most diverse genetic lineage in order to establish this internationally important herd. This young calf will play a valuable role in further securing the future of European bison.”
As the bison herd continues to flourish, plans are already in motion to install bison bridges, allowing these magnificent herbivores full access to the sprawling 200-hectare woodland. Additionally, these bridges will provide visitors to the forest with a unique opportunity to spot the majestic creatures in their natural habitat, further fostering a connection between people and wildlife.
Whilst it’s one shaky step for a new calf, the birth is one giant leap of hope for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.