Wilding scheme celebrates 'third-generation' bison

The new calf is the fifth to be born as part of the Blean Bison project

Conservation groups have hailed a bison calf as the first of a third generation to be born to an introduced herd near Canterbury.

Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust, which run the Blean Bison project, said the herd's fifth calf is proof of the "groundbreaking" scheme's progress.

The European bison herd, released in 2022, forms part of a project to increase the diversity of Blean Woods and help make the landscape more resilient to climate change.

The calf, which is female, will contribute to a breeding programme for the species, the charities said.

Kent Wildlife Trust bison ranger Heidi Aguirregoicoa described the calf as a "milestone" for UK conservation.

"Seeing these animals thrive in the Blean shows just how powerful wilding can be in restoring balance to nature and building resilience against climate change," she said.

Director of zoo operations at the Wildwood Trust Mark Habben said the project's bison could "eventually establish new herds and begin shaping comparable landscapes across the UK".

The Blean herd currently roams across 50 hectares but will soon cross 200 hectares of woodland once "bison bridges" are constructed.