Sadness as UK's 'first' free-roaming bison dies

Three new calves have been born in the herd, said a wildlife trust

Tributes have been paid to the matriarch of the UK's only free-roaming bison herd after she passed away aged 21.

The "pioneering" bison was among the first to roam freely in the country for thousands of years following her release in 2022 in Kent.

Donovan Wright, bison and rewilding ranger at Wildwood Trust, said the matriarch was the "rock" of the herd.

Her death comes days after the birth of the herd's latest calf, bringing their number up to nine.

Her arrival from the Highlands with two other bison was part of the Wildwood Trust and Kent Wildlife Trust's Blean Bison Project, which aims to bring the species back to the UK.

Mr Wright said: "The matriarch shaped the project from the very first day.

"She was the rock, the foundation of the herd, and the cornerstone of bison rewilding in the UK.

"Her calmness and steady nature spread through the herd, changing how they interacted with one another, with the landscape, and with us.

"When she led, they settled. When she paused, they listened. It was humbling watching her share that deep, ancient bison wisdom."

Wildwood Trust told the BBC she did not have a name as the team were reluctant to name wild animals.

The Blean Bison project is a "blueprint" for other wilding efforts, said a conservationist

The herd has helped boost biodiversity by allowing more light into the forest through grazing, bark stripping and trampling.

Conservationists said they hope the herd can expand its range from 50 to 200 hectares, with the creation of the UK's first bison bridge.

Selected bison will be moved to other rewilding sites to support genetic diversity and help establish further herds across the country, they added.

"The matriarch's legacy goes far beyond this herd," said Heidi Aguirregoicoa, Bison Ranger at Kent Wildlife Trust.

She said the Blean Bison project has created a blueprint for new approaches to conservation across the UK.

"Every change we've documented here - from woodland structure to species recovery to the regulatory changes we're driving - now serves as a proven model for future rewilding efforts," Ms Aguirregoicoa added.

The herd now consists of nine bison - five calves and four adults - with a new lead female emerging naturally.