Four footbridges together costing a million pounds are being built so bison can cross public footpaths to roam further afield in Kent.

The UK’s only wild herd was introduced to the Blean and Thornden woods near Canterbury in 2022 as part of a ground-breaking project by Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust.

The aim is to boost biodiversity through their natural behaviours and to shape the habitat around them, making it more resilient to climate change.

Now construction has begun on the first two bridges which will allow the herd access to a further 200 hectares of woodland.

The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 but will need to be safety-checked before allowing access to the public.

In the interim, several measures will impact visitors to the area with limited car park access and some trails temporarily re-routed.

The bridges cost £250,000 each to construct and are being funded with grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Highways Environment and Wellbeing Designated Fund, as well as other foundations and trusts and private donors.

The six-strong herd includes a new calf - the first conceived and born in the woodland from the specially-selected founding herd.

However, this proves problematic in the Blean woodland as it hosts a network of footpaths criss-crossing the site.

Kent Wildlife Trust say the bridges are the solution, allowing the bison to cross the footpaths, without sharing the same space as the public.

The four bridges, which have been granted planning permission following detailed deliberations, will see the bison pass underneath as visitors to the area walk over the bridge, allowing a great vantage point to potentially catch a glimpse of the beasts.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Simon Bateman-Brown says bison are no more dangerous than domestic cattle and, in other parts of the world, they roam freely in public areas.

But under UK law, European bison are classified as dangerous wild animals. To meet legal requirements, 43 kilometers of fencing surround the bison areas to keep the public and the herd separate.

He added: “We need to think differently about how we deliver conservation projects in the UK if we are to change our future.

“The Wilder Blean initiative is a ground-breaking proof of concept project laying out the blueprint for others to follow and we are leading the way to make it easier for other organisations to replicate.

“We recognise that miles of fencing and bridges is a barrier to rewilding projects, but we must demonstrate what can be achieved so we can advocate for change.

“Our long-term vision is to remove the steel fencing and have the herd contained via electric fencing, but until the government make the law fit for re-wilding, we will continue to make a case for projects like this, so they can be replicated.

“We are grateful to the generous donors and funders who have got us to this point, they are all making a significant contribution to creating a wilder Kent. Anyone who would like to help us continue our work can help by donating to our Save Our Woodlands appeal.”