Bison Roam Britain Again After 6,000 Years

European bison have been reintroduced to Britain, marking their return for the first time in approximately 6,000 years. A herd, originating from 54 animals in zoos and sanctuaries, now inhabits a 5,000-acre protected farmland area in Cumbria. The project, initiated by the Wildwood Trust and Kent Discovery Park, aims to restore lost ecological processes.

Bison are considered a keystone species and ecosystem engineers, vital for sustainable woodland management. Their feeding behavior, known as 'debarking,' involves stripping tree bark for nutrients. This action creates micro-habitats beneficial for woodpeckers, bats, and fungi, supporting biodiversity within the landscape. Researchers worked for years to bring these animals back, with the recent release signifying a historic moment for conservation efforts.