Ramblers may now catch a glimpse of wild bison for the first time since they were re-introduced into woodland near Canterbury.

The beasts were released into the ancient West Blean and Thornden Woods in July, but had since then been restricted to roam a 12-acre area while they got used to their new lives.

Video courtesy of Kent Wildlife Trust

The £1.1 million rewilding project - led by the Wildwood and Kent Wildlife Trusts - saw the herd placed into the English wild for the first time in more than 1,000 years.

But now they have adjusted to their new home, located between the city and Herne Bay, the animals have been granted access to a larger portion of the woods the size of 70 football pitches.

Bison ranger Donovan Wright witnessed the historic moment when the creatures ventured out into their expanded territory.

“It was an incredible moment,” he said.

“The matriarch led the younger females into their new home, making a beeline for the sweet chestnut trees and tucking in right away.”

This change means those walking through the nature reserve will have the chance to see the creatures at two designated viewing points along footpaths running through the forest.

Visitors to animal park Wildwood will also be able to try to spot the bison from a special platform at the site.

“We anticipate more people will now visit the woodland to try to see if they can spot the bison,” Mr Wright continued.

“The chances of seeing them are very small, however if people are patient, still, quiet and very lucky, it is a possibility.

“To adhere to UK legislation, two fences will separate the herd from the public at all times."

This soft-release allowed rangers to observe the animals and ensure they could fend for themselves and seek out food, water and shelter.

The bison appear to be thriving in their wild habitat, with one in September giving birth to a calf, which is said to be thriving.

Next year, the European bison, which can weigh more than half a tonne, will be joined by long-horn cattle, Exmoor ponies and iron-age pigs.

Bosses from Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood previously revealed that they also hope to introduce a bull from Germany to the bison herd in the coming months.

The creatures are then expected to "breed pretty quickly".

Bison act as 'ecosystem engineers', creating light and space for wildlife to thrive through their natural behaviours.

The animals eat bark and push over trees by rubbing up against them.

They devour up to 35kg of vegetation a day and leave behind nutrient-rich dung that attracts insects - allowing birds to feast off the manure.

The project is the first of its kind in the UK and is hoped to act as a trailblazer for other areas to follow suit.

It has gained international attention and even been hailed by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio.