00:00This video footage by Kent Wildlife Trust shows the first time a herd of bison ventured into woodland they couldn't
00:09reach before thanks to the construction of two first-of-their-kind bridges.
00:14The £1 million project was opened in Westbleen and Fordham Woods near Canterbury creating up to 100 hectares of woodland
00:25for the species to explore which supports biodiversity and woodland resilience in the face of climate change.
00:33They've also been built to allow visitors to see the bison exploring the landscape.
00:39A big cause for biodiversity decline across the UK is the mismanagement of woodlands or the lack of management.
00:48So by bringing in European bison, Iron Age pigs, fell ponies, longhorn cattle, other of these large herbivores we can
00:59have them create a diverse array of habitats all across the site.
01:04The bison were released into Westbleen and Fordham Woods in 2022 as part of the Blean Bison Project, a partnership
01:14between Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust.
01:17The species have been called ecosystem engineers because their grazing, trampling vegetation and creating standing deadwood have helped create a
01:29wider variety of wildlife.
01:31Caroline Shawala, MBE Chair of the Viola Environmental Trust, said that they were pleased to support the project which has
01:41reduced the need for human and machine interference.
01:44The project also uses solar panels and public walking routes for both nature and the public to enjoy.
01:52Two more bridges are planned which will eventually increase the area available to the herd to 200 hectares.
02:01People can support the project by donating on the Kent Wildlife Trust website or by simply visiting the wildlife near
02:12Canterbury.
02:13Henry Luck for KMTV.
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