Two bison calves born in Kent, to ranger's 'absolute astonishment'

Two wild bison calves have been born in Kent, after a herd of the animals was introduced in 2022. 

The animals were introduced to help naturally manage the West Blean and Thornden woods near Canterbury, as part of a first-of-its-kind rewilding project.

Although they're monitored daily by rangers from the Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust, the two newcomers were a surprise.

Staff had suspected one of the younger bison was pregnant, but they didn't expect to see a calf so soon - let alone two.

"The herd sometimes hear us working around here and come up to see us," said bison ranger Hannah Mackins.

"On this occasion, to my absolute astonishment, one of the females came up behind the group and I saw underneath her she had a little calf.

"The fact she was confident enough to bring her calf up to the corral where she knew we were working was such an honour."

Just four days later, they had another surprise when a second calf was born.

"They're both doing really well. They're suckling from mum, growing quickly by the day," said Ms Mackins.

Read more: How the Kent's bison rangers were chosen

The herd now consists of three females, a bull and four calves.

"It's always been part of this project to allow the herd to grow naturally over time through breeding," said Paul Whifield, director general of Wildwood Trust.

"These births show that the animals are showing natural healthy behaviours and thriving in the woodlands that they are regenerating."

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Experts say bison can help other animals and plants by felling trees, which creates areas of space and light, as well as producing deadwood that's beneficial for fungi and insects.

They also create bare earth patches by "dust bathing" which is good for lizards, burrowing wasps and rare arable weeds.

When they were brought over in 2022, it was first time the animals had been used in a UK nature reserve to help wildlife.

Since their release into the woods, the bison have roamed in 50 hectares of woodland, however in September 2024, construction started on the UK's first-ever bison bridges.

European bison are classified as dangerous wild animals in UK law, meaning they need to be kept separate from the public.

By building four bridges, the bison will be able to cross the woodlands without sharing the same space as the public.

The rewilding project has also involved introducing Longhorn cattle, iron-age pigs and Exmoor ponies.

(c) Sky News 2024: Two bison calves born in Kent, to ranger's 'absolute astonishment'