Bison bridge

Construction of the UK’s first-ever bison bridges gets underway

Construction of the UK’s first ever bison bridges has begun in a Canterbury woodland. The installations will allow the UK’s first wild bison herd in thousands of years, full access to West Blean and Thornden Woods, an ancient forest on the outskirts of Canterbury City. 

The bison herd were released into the woodland in July 2022 as part of a ground-breaking project between the charities Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust. The bison have been placed in the woodland to boost biodiversity through their natural behaviours and to shape the habitat around them making it more resilient to climate change.  

Bison have unique characteristics with research suggesting they are climate heroes. A study on a bison project in Romania found that the herd of 170 bison were drawing down the equivalent CO2 emissions 84,000 cars.  Often called ‘ecosystem engineers’ they strip bark from trees, creating standing deadwood which supports insects, birds and bats and they dustbathe, creating sites that attract burrowing insects. Their sheer size means they push through and trample dense vegetation, creating light and space for wildlife to thrive. 

Since their release into West Blean and Thornden Woods, the bison herd have roamed in 50 hectares of woodland, however, once the bridges have been installed the herd will be able to access 200 hectares. The installation of the bison bridges cost £1m and has been made possible thanks to generous funding from numerous sources.  Kent Wildlife Trust were grateful to receive £245,773 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with National Highways Environment and Wellbeing Designated Fund as part of the Network for Nature programme, The Michael Uren Foundation, Veolia Environmental Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and private donors contributing to the cost of the build. 

Bison are classified as “Dangerous Wild Animals” 

Under UK law, European bison are classified as dangerous wild animals. To meet legal requirements 43 kilometers of fencing surround the bison areas to keep the public and the herd separate. However, this proves problematic in the Blean woodland as it hosts an impressive network of footpaths crisscrossing the site. The bridges are the solution allowing the bison to cross the footpaths, without sharing the same space as the public. 

Planning permission has been granted for four bridges which will see the bison pass underneath as visitors to the area walk over the bridge. Once at the top, people will have a great vantage point to potentially catch a glimpse of the animals. 

The construction of the first two bridges should be completed by the end of 2024 but will need to be safety-checked before allowing access to the public. In the interim, a number of measures will impact visitors to the area with the car park being closed and some trails temporarily re-routed. People intending to visit West Blean and Thornden Woods are advised to check the website before visiting and plan their trip accordingly. 

Kent Wildlife Trust's, Simon Bateman Brown says: 

“Our wildlife is in trouble, and we need to think differently about how we deliver conservation projects in the UK if we are to change our future. The Wilder Blean initiative is a ground-breaking proof of concept project laying out the blueprint for others to follow and we are leading the way to make it easier for other organisations to replicate. 

“We recognise that miles of fencing and bridges is a barrier to rewilding projects, but we must demonstrate what can be achieved so we can advocate for change. Bison are no more dangerous than domestic cattle and, in other parts of the world, they roam freely in public areas.  

“Our long-term vision is to remove the steel fencing and have the herd contained via electric fencing, but until the government make the law fit for the purpose of rewilding, we will continue to make a case for projects like this, so they can be replicated. 

“We are grateful to the generous donors and funders who have got us to this point, they are all making a significant contribution to creating a wilder Kent. Anyone who would like to help us continue our work can help by donating to our Save Our Woodlands appeal.” 

The installation of the bridges brings the overarching vision for the Wilder Blean Initiative closer to reality. The initiative involves working with landowners and other conservationists including Woodland Trust and RSPB to secure the future of the Blean as a place visited for its outstanding wildlife and scenic woodlands and recognised for its positive social and economic opportunities for the community. 

Over the next ten years, using a collaborative and joined-up approach, the Wilder Blean Initiative will work with the community, landowners and stakeholders to bring together knowledge, expertise and ideas to build a vision for this landscape. Driven by natural processes, we want to see missing species returned to a reconnected and wilded landscape in one of the most land-scarce corners of England. 

You can help

People wishing to support the work of Kent Wildlife Trust in creating thriving woodlands can donate to the charity’s “Save Our Woodlands Appeal.” or join the herd as part of our Bison Benefactor programme. All the money raised will be put back into securing a better future for our wildlife in Kent. 

Editor's notes

Footage and photography: 

Media enquiries to Sally Smith [email protected] 07376 445567 

Background and related information: 

Funding 

This remarkable engineering project would not have been possible without the generous support of funders, Kent Wildlife Trust would extends their thanks to: 

  • The National Lottery Heritage Fund  
  • National Highways Environment and Wellbeing Designated Fund as part of the Network for Nature programme 
  • The Michael Uren Foundation 
  • Veolia Environmental Trust  
  • Garfield Weston Foundation 
  • Private donors 

Additional quotes from funders: 

Caroline Schwaller MBE, Chair of the Veolia Environmental Trust said: “This unique and innovative project was one the Veolia Environmental Trust was keen to be a part of due to its biodiversity and social importance. Our grant will help reduce the need for human intervention and management of this woodland, which lessens the need for heavy plant or machinery and the associated emissions. It will utilise renewable energy through solar panels and improve public walking routes, allowing both nature and people to flourish in unison.” 

About Kent Wildlife Trust   

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 90 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 3 visitor centres.       

We work closely with local communities, landowners, and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast, and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent.     

The charity also campaigns against inappropriate and damaging development; and educates and inspires young people to help secure a more sustainable future and create a Wilder Kent.                    

Visit our website here: kentwildlifetrust.org.uk   

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund  

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.  

Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £ 3.6 billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.  

We help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.  

We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.