After a gap spanning thousands of years, wild bison are being introduced back to Britain, where it is hoped they will bring benefits to ancient Kent woodland.
Two expert bison trainers are currently busy preparing to welcome up to four animals in the springtime.
Stock Bison photo
Gareth Fuller
Tom Gibbs and Donovan Wright said they were excited and “getting everything ready for when the bison arrive so they have a seamless transition into their new home.”
The two rangers told Metro about their excitement and how they had been digging drinking pools, installing electric fencing and practicing tracking skills.
The £1.5m project is being led by Kent Wildlife Trust and the Wildwood Trust.
The bison help regenerate woodland by rubbing up against ancient tree trunks, which cause old trees to fall and create gaps where light can reach the forest floor and help generate new life.
Tom and Donovan were chosen for the job from more than 1,000 applicants around the world.
Donovan, who cut his teeth working with lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo in southern Africa, said it was a privilege to help reintroduce such a majestic animal.
The European bison is the closest living relative of the ancient steppe bison, which once roamed Britain. They were driven to extinction in the wild, but have been reintroduced elsewhere in Europe and there is now an estimated population of around 7,000.
The Blean Woods site is licensed for up to ten animals and it’s hoped the bison will eventually breed
