AssetID: 55146638
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Meet our baby bison! Third generation calf born at British rewidling project
Caption: A pioneering rewilding project in Kent is celebrating the birth of a new bison calf – a member of the third generation of the bison herd since the animals were released into the wild for the first time in the UK in 2022. Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust, which run the Blean Bison project, confirmed the female calf was born in West Blean and Thornden Woods, near Canterbury. She is the fifth calf to be born in the ancient woodland. The bison were introduced to the Blean to help restore biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience. Acting as “ecosystem engineers”, they reshape the landscape by stripping bark to create standing deadwood, opening up corridors in dense woodland to let in sunlight, and forming dustbathing areas which later become habitats for amphibians and invertebrates. Heidi Aguirregoicoa, Bison Ranger at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “Welcoming this calf is another milestone, not only for the Blean Bison project but for conservation in the UK. Every new generation strengthens the herd’s role as ecosystem engineers, shaping the woodland and creating habitats for countless other species. Seeing these animals thrive in the Blean shows just how powerful wilding can be in restoring balance to nature and building resilience against climate change.” The calf is considered genetically important, contributing to the European breeding programme and supporting the long-term survival of the species. Mark Habben, Director of Zoo Operations at Wildwood Trust, said: “From the very beginning, what we always imagined for this project was something much larger than what happens here alone. Its early success has been nothing short of groundbreaking, and the birth of a third-generation calf within this herd is living proof of that progress. “Our hope is that bison from here – carrying the incredible genetics we see thriving – will eventually establish new herds and begin shaping comparable landscapes across the UK. In that way, the work started here can ripple outward, restoring ecosystems, renewing connections to the land, and inspiring a vision of what’s possible far beyond this one place.” The herd currently roams across 50 hectares but will soon be able to access 200 hectares of woodland via the UK’s first bison bridges. The crossings will allow the animals to extend their range while ensuring public footpaths remain accessible. Kent Wildlife Trust continues to raise funds for the long-term future of the project, including through its Bison Benefactor scheme, which invites supporters to sponsor an animal. Further details are available on the trust’s website.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,kent,blean,nature,animals,bison,rewilding
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