Setting the record straight - Mail Online article 30/4/23

The article, largely quoting the chairman of the National Farmers Union, questions the safety of rewilding projects in the UK. 

Kent Wildlife Trust were unaware this article was going to be published as, rather than approach us for comment, The Mail Online reporter limited our right to reply. Instead, historic quotes given to other reporters from other organisations about the Wilder Blean Project were copied and pasted into the article.

The article is laced with inaccuracies and many of our followers have contacted us to share their view that the content is “laughable”, “dangerous” and “crap for clicks.” 

To be very clear, if we had been given an opportunity to comment we would have told Mail Online that Wilder Blean is based on successful European projects where humans and bison coexist in harmony, with no bison-related incidents reported.  

We would have gone on to say how the UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, how we are losing species at an alarming rate and that we need to change the way that we practice conservation in Britain if we are going to survive the climate and nature crises. 

If we had been given the opportunity, we would have added that, globally human induced climate change has been estimated to account for 37% of heat-related deaths worldwide and that this figure is predicted to rise substantially by the 2050s. 

Should we have been given a sentence to sign off, we would have said that projects like Wilder Blean should be lauded and not subject to scaremongering.  

We did approach Mail Online post publication, who generously offered to let us comment and asked us to point out the inaccuracies scattered within the article. However, we have decided not to give the piece any credence by adding our voice to it. The people that matter – you, our supporters - however, deserve a response, which is why we have penned this. 

We have also invited the Mail Online to send a reporter to visit the project, speak with the experts and get a first-hand account of why a new approach to conservation is needed. 

If you want to share your support, please share this statement. If you want to help further, we welcome donations to the Wilder Blean Project or perhaps you could join us as a member. In comparison to the Mail Online, our voice is small but with your support, we can ensure it is mighty. 

#EducateMailOnline