Credit: Heidi Aguirregoicoa/Donovan Wright/Wilder Blean Project/Kent Wildlife Trust/Cover Images Kent’s very own bison herd has celebrated its second birthday this July, two years on from the introduction of the beasts into the Blean Woods nature reserve. Over the past two years, the bison herd has grown to six, with the birth of a surprise calf, the arrival of a bull from Germany, and a winter birth of another male calf. The woodland now boasts a "New Forest feel," enriched by free-roaming Exmoor ponies, longhorn cattle, and Iron-Age pigs. These animals’ natural behaviors have shaped the landscape, boosted biodiversity, and enhanced climate resilience. Early monitoring results from West Blean have revealed intriguing findings, including the rediscovery of the fungus beetle 'Dissoleucas niverirostris,' not recorded in the UK since 1988. While no one claims bison can bring species back from extinction, this discovery highlights the importance of wildlife monitoring. Kent Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive, Evan Bowen-Jones says the project has been so successful they plan to allow the bison greater access to the woodland.. “Anecdotally, we are already seeing so many changes to West Blean and Thorden Woods with corridors opening through the woodland, bringing light and life to the forest floor,” he explained. “We are preparing to enter the next phase of the project installing bison bridges, which will allow the herd access to 200 hectares of woodland, a step that will help to maximise the benefit of these incredible Nature-based Solutions on our landscape.” The Wilder Blean initiative is part of a larger vision to connect wildlife habitats across the Blean area. Working with partners like RSPB and Woodland Trust, the Trust aims to create the largest area of connected ancient woodland in southern England, bringing social and economic benefits to the community. A £100,000 grant from Rewilding Britain’s Challenge Fund has provided crucial support for these efforts. Hannah Mackins, Kent Wildlife Trust’s Bison and Conservation Grazing Ranger, reflected: “It's amazing to think it's been two years since three bison first ventured into the woodland. Now their numbers have doubled, and they're significantly impacting West Blean. The reserve is teeming with life, and you can feel a renewed energy in the woodland.” Paul Whitfield, Director of Wildwood Trust, added: “In the two years since the first bison were released, they have been breeding naturally and creating new habitats. Millions have celebrated this project, and we have only just begun.” As the UK navigates rapid changes, the success of the Wilder Blean project offers a hopeful glimpse into a future where nature’s resilience helps combat global challenges.

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