The on-line news publication, Positive News, praised the city for the efforts being made in the area to combat the climate and biodiversity crises. In particular, Positive News highlighted the efforts of Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust and their work in implementing the Wilder Blean Project, a wilding initiative involving the release of wild bison into West Blean and Thornden Woods. Thanks to the work of the two charities, and funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery Dream Fund, efforts to increase biodiversity abundance are well underway in the woodland.

Three members of the herd were released into the Blean in July last year, and immediately begun transforming the landscape around them, creating corridors through the woodland and bringing light and life to areas that had previously been thrown into shade. Through their natural behaviours the bison helped to create habitats and encourage wildlife to thrive that had struggled previously.

In November, the nation welcomed the news of the surprise arrival of a bison calf, the first free-roaming to be born in the UK in thousands of years. At a time where the newspapers were filled with political doom and gloom and the sad news of the passing of our monarch, it was a much needed ray of sunshine in a somewhat bleak period.

If that was not enough, in December, just two days before Christmas the Wilder Blean Team rejoiced at the arrival of the final member of the herd (for now) a bull from Germany.

The charities have been delighted to see social media posts from walkers and visitors to the area who have been able to spot the herd in the woodland and capture photos of them and thrilled by the enthusiasm and support from the public for Wilder Blean Project.

Paul Hadway Director of Conservation at Kent Wildlife Trust said: “2022 was a difficult period for many of us with challenges constantly coming from all directions. It is wonderful to be recognised for doing something good, that will have a positive impact on us all for generations to come.

“The Wilder Blean Project is about restoring natural processes, creating a landscape that encourages wildlife to thrive and helping that landscape adapt to climate change. It is all too easy to say global warming is happening and we are helpless, but that just is not the case and we are proving that here.

“This is an ambitious ground-breaking initiative which we hope to see replicated again and again across the country, and I truly believe in doing so, we will make our world habitable and resilient to the challenges we face.”

Local politicians have also expressed delight at the accolade, Dan Watkins, Lead Councillor for Climate Change at Canterbury City Council said: “I represent the ward local to the Wilder Blean project in Herne Bay, and we're all delighted to have welcomed our latest residents - a herd of bison - to the area!

“This ground-breaking project is rightly receiving international attention, as a blueprint for tackling the climate and nature crises which can be replicated elsewhere in Kent, across the UK and globally. Wilder Blean will also create new jobs in the growing industry of eco-tourism, complimenting the many fantastic seaside resorts we have locally. As such, the Council is giving the project its full backing and look forward to seeing it expand in the years to come.”

Rosie Duffield MP for Canterbury also welcomed the news saying: “I am delighted that the work of the Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust has been recognised in Positive News for their ground-breaking work in introducing bison to Kentish woodland as part of a rewilding project.

“I am looking forward to my next visit to the project to congratulate the staff for showing that in the Canterbury area we are taking action to create a more natural and varied environment where insects, large mammals and indeed humans can thrive.”

Director General for Wildwood Trust Paul Whitfield added: "One of the wonderful things about this project is that it has inspired and excited so many people at a time when there is so little to be inspired and excited about in the news. 

“Rewilding is about creating the conditions and the space whereby nature can drive the recovery of ecosystems through natural processes. The climate has already changed - we're seeing longer, drier summers and wetter, colder winters - but the complex diverse habitats that these bison create will be far more able to resist the current and future challenges caused by climate change. 

"It’s fantastic that we can demonstrate that here in Kent. This is a catalyst for change. if we can replicate this on scale across this country, across the world it will make a huge difference."