Tiny UK village home to the country’s only herd of wild bison – next to famous small city with Roman ruins
BRITS may not be aware that there are wild bison in the UK – as there is just one place to spot them.
The village of Blean, in Kent, where the free-roaming animals are found.
Found between Canterbury and Whitstable, Blean is ancient woodland, despite being called a village.
Most people will pass over the village without realising, heading to the famous city of Canterbury known for its Roman ruins and medieval streets.
But in 2022, three female Bison were released into the nearby area to help restore the area as part of a scheme with both Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust.
Bison were last seen in England thousands of years ago, with the animals released the closest to the ancient steppe bison of the UK.
The numbers have since doubled, and are now the UK’s only free-roaming herd of bison.
The herd now includes a bull bison and two baby bison.
Following the success of the £1.1million project, new giant bison bridges are to be installed.
The footpaths will let visitors walk on footpaths over the roaming animals.
You can even go on a bison safari with a trains ranger.
Bison ranger Hannah Mackins said: “It’s remarkable to see how this project has sparked a passion for wildlife in people who may not have been interested in the nature reserve before.”
Phase two of the project, which includes a new £100k funding, includes a landscape-scale wilding project, with more to be revealed.
Other animals to soon join them will be Exmoor ponies, Iron Age pigs and Longhorn cattle.
If you want to see wild bison elsewhere, you are best heading to America with them found at places such as Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, US.
These are not to be confused with the buffalo, which are often see in Africa on safaris.
Elsewhere in the UK, a little-known wildlife park was named one of the UK’s best attractions.
WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre was named the best large visitor attraction by Visit England earlier this year.
Found between Bristol and Gloucester, animals including cranes, flamingos, otters and dragonflies can be spotted across the 800 acres of wetlands.
Free summer holiday activites
You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer...
Museums – Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids.
Parks – Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach – It doesn’t have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland.
Library – If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds.
Cooking – Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge.
Playdates – Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising.
Boardgames – Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble.
There is even a canoe safari and a 360-sear open-air theatre.
Elsewhere in the UK is a pretty deer park attraction set to open new £2million holiday lodges.
