Home / Environment / Bison Calf Born in Blean Woods, Marking Milestone for UK Conservation
Bison Calf Born in Blean Woods, Marking Milestone for UK Conservation
3 Oct
Summary
- First third-generation bison calf born to introduced herd
- Herd's fifth calf, proof of "groundbreaking" scheme's progress
- Bison to help increase diversity and climate resilience in Blean Woods
In a significant development for UK conservation, a bison calf has been born to an introduced herd near Canterbury, marking the first third-generation birth in the project. The Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust, which run the Blean Bison project, announced the birth of the herd's fifth calf, describing it as proof of the "groundbreaking" scheme's progress.
The European bison herd, released in 2022, forms part of a project to increase the diversity of Blean Woods and help make the landscape more resilient to climate change. The female calf will now contribute to a breeding program for the species, with the charities hailing it as a "milestone" for UK conservation.
"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," said Kent Wildlife Trust bison ranger Heidi Aguirregoicoa. The Blean herd currently roams across 50 hectares but will soon expand to 200 hectares of woodland once "bison bridges" are constructed, allowing the herd to shape the landscape further.
