Bison Ranger Experiences: Guided Tour

About the event

In summer 2022 European bison were introduced to West Blean and Thornden Woods as part of the ground-breaking Wilder Blean project, with Iron Age pigs, Exmoor ponies and Longhorn cattle joining them in 2023.

Working alongside these animals on a daily basis, the Bison Rangers are the perfect people to share all the latest developments. Their unique experience means you’ll get unparalleled insights into the characteristics of the animals and the impact they’re already having in the transformation of the woods.

Join this guided tour to hear about how the animals are managing the land naturally, and how their presence is already breathing life back into the landscape, improving habitats and increasing biodiversity. You'll also discover how the Bison Rangers are monitoring the herd, and the impact they are having.

The route of this guided tour will take in some of the key areas of the woodland, rather than trying to reach the location of the animals. Whilst there's a possibility of seeing grazing animals, the herd roams freely across a large site and we won't actively be tracking the animals during this tour.

• Please do not expect to see any Wilder Blean animals as part of this event. For a greater chance of seeing the animals, you may prefer to join A Morning at West Blean: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/bison-ranger-experiences-a-morning-at-wes… .
• Work has started 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, but 14-17 year olds are welcome to attend with an accompanying adult over 18. Look out for other, family-friendly events if you'd like to bring the children.
• This guided tour will last approximately 2.5 hours and most of the time will be spent walking or standing. Much of the route follows surfaced paths, but these can be muddy. 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 [email protected] 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.
• Hoping to treat someone, but not sure which date they'd prefer? Gift an experience voucher to be redeemed on their chosen date Gift Vouchers | Kent Wildlife Trust. 

For information about other Wilder Kent Safari experiences please visit our safari main page.