The birth of two bison calves in Blean Forest marks a major step forward for the bison reintroduction project in England. This project, led by the Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust, aims to restore the Blean Forest ecosystem, whilst enhancing local biodiversity. These two new births bring to eight the number of bison present on the site since the launch of the initiative in 2022.
A major ecological breakthrough
Since their introduction to the Blean Forest in July 2022, bison have played an essential role in managing the ecosystem. Their natural behavior, such as grazing, removing bark from trees and creating trails, plays a very important role in the development of this ecosystem.
Paul Whitfield, chief executive of the Wildwood Trust, told the BBC he was excited about the new births, noting that “these births show that animals are adopting naturally healthy behaviors and thriving in the forests they regenerate.”
Since their introduction, bison have covered nearly 50 hectares of forest, and this figure is expected to increase with the construction of new bison bridges to make their movement safer without disturbing hikers.
The bison calves, both females, joined a herd initially made up of three females and one male. Hannah Mackins, buffalo ranger for the Kent Wildlife Trust, said she was “delighted” with the arrival of the cubs. They are “doing very well. They are suckling from their mother and growing rapidly day after day”.
Infrastructure for a growing project
To support this expansion, a series of infrastructures is being built, in particular buffalo bridges, to allow these animals to cross areas frequented by walkers without risk.
Four bridges are planned, with an investment of more than £1 million (around €1.2 million), giving bison access to nearly 120 hectares of forest by the end of the year 2024.
This infrastructure is essential in a context where bison are classified as dangerous wild animals under British law. A 43 kilometer fence was erected to ensure that the bison remained separated from visitors to the forest. However, these new facilities aim to strengthen safe coexistence between humans and these large mammals.
Impact on biodiversity and climate
The bison introduced to Blean not only contribute to forest regeneration, but also to the fight against climate change.
Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered that bison droppings increase soil microbial diversity. This diversity benefits soil health and promotes plant growth.
“Manure enriches the soil, bringing greater microbial diversity across the area,” explains Dr Anastasios Tsaousis of the University of Kent. This also helps in the growth of plant and animal species.
Thanks to their movements, bison create paths through the woods. By opening the canopy in this way, they allow light to reach the ground. This therefore promotes the growth of many plant species.
This behavior transforms the ecosystem and makes the forest more resilient to climate change. Additionally, the forest becomes able to store more carbon, which helps mitigate the effects of warming.
Project leaders, through the joint initiatives of the Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust, plan for the bison herd to continue to grow naturally, while increasing their impact on the regeneration of local ecosystems.
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