Wednesday, November 6, 2024
HomeEnvironmental ImpactsWork commences on new bison bridges in the UK

Work commences on new bison bridges in the UK

“Wild Bison Roam Free in UK Woodland: How Conservationists are Making it Happen”

Construction has begun in the UK on a groundbreaking project that will see free-roaming European bison released into woodland in Canterbury. The project, spearheaded by Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust, aims to reintroduce these majestic animals into the UK for the first time in thousands of years.

The £1 million project includes the construction of four bison bridges that will allow the animals to roam freely through forested areas while providing safe viewing opportunities for human visitors. Currently, the bison are restricted to fenced regions due to their classification as dangerous under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. The installation of pedestrian bridges will enable the bison to expand their roaming area from 50 hectares to around 200 hectares.

Conservationists are hopeful that the success of this project will pave the way for updates to rewilding laws in the UK, allowing for more projects that promote biodiversity without the need for expensive steel fencing. Simon Bateman-Brown, head of land management at Kent Wildlife Trust, emphasized the importance of demonstrating the positive impact of rewilding projects to advocate for legislative changes.

Two of the bridges are expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with the hope of eventually removing the steel fencing and containing the herd with electric fencing. The reintroduction of bison into the UK ecosystem is expected to have far-reaching benefits, including contributing to local ecosystems and potentially aiding in carbon sequestration.

A recent study by scientists at Yale School of the Environment found that bison in a rewilding project in Romania significantly contributed to carbon sequestration, storing emissions equivalent to removing around 84,000 gas-fueled cars from the roads. The bison in the Kent project are already showing positive impacts on their environment, creating space for other species to thrive and improving soil and carbon sequestration.

Paul Whitfeld, director-general of Wildwood Trust, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to benefit the local ecosystem and highlighted the bison’s role in creating microhabitats for wildlife. The reintroduction of bison into the UK represents a significant step towards rewilding efforts and promoting biodiversity in the region.

Overall, the release of free-roaming European bison into woodland in Canterbury marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts in the UK. The project not only aims to restore a keystone species to the ecosystem but also highlights the importance of rewilding initiatives in promoting biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

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