Working alongside the European bison, Longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies and Iron Age pigs on a daily basis, the Bison Rangers are the custodians of the pioneering Wilder Blean herd.
These new experience mornings give you the opportunity to meet the people who know the project the best, and offer the most in-depth access to the Wilder Blean project yet.
You'll start your morning at the Heather Corrie Ranger Station for an introduction to the project, and for the chance to see the technology the rangers have on hand to support them in their work.
Despite the technology, it's often the rangers' well-honed instincts that lead them to the herd, so we'll set off for a walk through to woodland to see if we can track down any of the animals. There won't be a set walking route; the rangers will be flexible and, if you're in luck and the bison are near the fenceline, they'll lead you straight to the best spots to try and get a sighting.
Please be aware that the bison do roam freely and there's every chance they could be deep within the woodland for the duration of the event, making a sighting impossible. If this is the case, we'll turn our attention to tracking the cattle, ponies and pigs instead. This event will give you best opportunity of sightings, but please understand that we can't guarantee the behaviour of wild animals!
Whilst we won't be able to enter the bison enclosure, your ranger will make sure to point out any evidence of recent bison activity and will show you the latest camera-trap footage captured of the animals in action when we return to the Ranger Station.
So get your walking boots ready and don't miss your chance to join the team for an inspiring morning discovering the exciting future of this beautiful ancient woodland!
- Work is taking place in 2025 to install bison bridges in the woods. This exciting development in the project will enable bison and people to coexist in a more joined-up landscape, and increase the area of the woodland accessible to the herd. There may be additional traffic and materials/machinery around the entrance to the reserve during your visit, but the event will not be affected.
- Bison Ranger Experiences are aimed at an adult audience, look out for family-friendly events during the school holidays if you'd like to bring the children.
- This experience morning will last approximately 4 hours and most of the time will be spent walking or standing. We may leave surfaced paths due to the location of the animals so ensure you wear sturdy footwear (during periods of wet weather waterproof footwear is advisable) and clothing suitable for the weather conditions.
- There is a toilet available for event attendees at the Heather Corrie Ranger Station (near the car park) but no other facilities on the reserve. No refreshments are available to purchase on site, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink with you.
- Parking charges apply at the West Blean & Thornden Woods car park but this is included with your Bison Ranger Experience ticket if you book at least 72 hours in advance. To receive free parking you must email the correct number plate of the car you will be using to parkingcharges@kentwildlife.org.uk at least 72 hours before the event start time. Please include the date of the event you have booked and the name the booking was made in as part of your email. If you are booking within 72 hours of the event, or do not confirm your number plate by this time, you will need to pay for parking on the day.
- Bison Ranger Experiences are extremely popular, but it is hard to fill spaces at short notice. For this reason, we are unable to refund tickets once they have been booked. If you request a date transfer we will try to accommodate this but unfortunately it cannot be guaranteed.
- On rare occasions it may unfortunately be necessary to postpone an event. This will only happen if absolutely required, and is most likely to be caused by adverse weather or if the rangers have any concerns about the impact of the event on the welfare of any of the animals. If this happens you will be contacted as soon as possible and offered an alternative date. We appreciate a situation like this will cause inconvenience and disappointment, but ask for your understanding that it is not a decision we ever take lightly. We will do our best to find a solution that works for you.
