European Rewilding Network | Rewilding Intro | Wilder Blean

In this Rewilding Intro our European Rewilding Network member Wilder Blean takes us on a journey to south-east England. Here Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust have partnered up in this initiative to show how European bison - combined with other large herbivores - can provide a sustainable solution to woodland management.

The presence of bison in the West Blean and Thornden Woods, alongside Exmoor ponies and Iron-Age pigs, will transform the woods into a lush, thriving, biodiverse environment once more and allow to step back and let nature take care of itself.

The initiative's strategy includes new nature-based enterprises to support on-going funding requirements, provide new education opportunities and to support new jobs. This includes guided nature walks and safaris alongside educational visits. It is anticipated that Wilder Blean will have a positive impact on local businesses, including hotels, campsites, local shops and B&Bs as a result of increased visitor numbers.

[tomfitton]

I was lucky enough to see the bison in Blean when walking through the woods a couple of weeks ago