The Birth of Bison Calves in Kent: A Milestone in Rewilding

In a remarkable turn of events, two wild bison calves have been born in Kent, marking a significant milestone in a pioneering rewilding project that began in 2022. These calves are not just adorable additions to the herd; they symbolize the success of an innovative approach to wildlife management and ecosystem restoration in the West Blean and Thornden woods near Canterbury.

The Rewilding Initiative

The introduction of bison to the Kent woodlands was part of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at naturally managing the ecosystem. The project, spearheaded by the Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust, sought to harness the natural behaviors of these majestic animals to promote biodiversity. Bison are known for their ability to shape their environment, and their presence is expected to have a cascading effect on the local flora and fauna.

A Surprise Arrival

The arrival of the two calves came as a delightful surprise to the rangers who monitor the herd daily. While staff had suspected that one of the younger bison might be pregnant, they were not prepared for the swift arrival of two calves. Bison ranger Hannah Mackins recounted the moment of discovery: “On this occasion, to my absolute astonishment, one of the females came up behind the group, and I saw underneath her she had a little calf.” Just four days later, another calf was born, doubling the joy for the rangers and the community.

Thriving in Their New Home

Both calves are reportedly thriving, suckling from their mothers and growing rapidly. Mackins expressed her excitement, stating, “They’re both doing really well. They’re suckling from mum, growing quickly by the day.” The herd now consists of three females, a bull, and four calves, showcasing the project’s success in fostering natural breeding behaviors among the bison.

Paul Whifield, director general of Wildwood Trust, emphasized the importance of these births: “These births show that the animals are showing natural healthy behaviors and thriving in the woodlands that they are regenerating.” This is a clear indication that the bison are not only adapting to their new environment but are also playing a vital role in its restoration.

Ecological Benefits of Bison

Bison are often referred to as "ecosystem engineers" due to their ability to modify their habitat. Their natural behaviors, such as felling trees and creating bare earth patches through dust bathing, contribute significantly to the health of the woodland ecosystem. These actions create spaces for sunlight to reach the forest floor, promoting the growth of various plant species and benefiting other wildlife, including lizards, burrowing wasps, and rare arable weeds.

The rewilding project in Kent is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time bison have been used in a UK nature reserve to aid wildlife. Since their introduction, the bison have roamed freely across 50 hectares of woodland, demonstrating their adaptability and the positive impact they can have on the environment.

Ensuring Safety and Sustainability

As European bison are classified as dangerous wild animals under UK law, measures have been put in place to ensure their safety and that of the public. Construction has begun on the UK’s first-ever bison bridges, which will allow the animals to traverse the woodlands without coming into contact with people. This innovative solution aims to create a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and the public, ensuring that the bison can thrive in their natural habitat while minimizing risks.

A Broader Rewilding Effort

The bison project is part of a larger rewilding initiative that includes the introduction of other species such as Longhorn cattle, Iron Age pigs, and Exmoor ponies. This diverse approach aims to restore the ecological balance of the woodlands and enhance biodiversity. By reintroducing these species, the project seeks to create a more resilient and self-sustaining ecosystem.

Conclusion

The birth of the two bison calves in Kent is not just a heartwarming story; it is a testament to the potential of rewilding as a strategy for ecological restoration. As these animals continue to thrive and contribute to their environment, they offer hope for the future of wildlife management in the UK. The success of this project could pave the way for similar initiatives across the country, highlighting the importance of embracing nature’s processes to restore and protect our ecosystems.