We've released conservation grazers at West Blean and Thornden Woods just in time to celebrate World Rewilding Day. The animals include Long-horn cattle, Iron-age pigs and Exmoor ponies who now roam freely across the forest.
Visitors may be able to spot these animals as they walk through the nature reserve, but why have we chosen these species? What beneficial impact will they have on the woodland? Listen to our Director of Conservation, Paul Hadaway explain in this video.
© Tim Horton
The intention with our conservation management at the Blean was always to get as close to a natural grazing assemblage as possible. As these woodlands emerged following the last ice age (10,000 years ago!) mega herbivores like ancient cattle, horse and boar species would have been managing the woods naturally. Since then, humans have managed these woodlands in ever more intensive ways. Primarily at West Blean this will have been for timber production and, as technology advanced in more recent years, this has come with a high carbon footprint as well as significant disturbance. With conservation grazers, humans don’t have to intervene as much, the machinery can leave the woods and the landscape becomes more nature rich and crucially, more climate resilient.
We are already working with other land managers in the area such as the RSPB and Woodland Trust and working towards managing more of the landscape with conservation grazers.
Each of these animals have a special purpose and role in the ecosystem. Here’s Alison Ruyter to explain how they all work together to improve the woodland.
© Tim Horton
An old-fashioned breed with long horns which helps them to break down the scrub and the trees as they move around through the forest undergrowth. They have a mixed foraging behaviour browsing from the canopy and from the ground ripping up vegetation with their tongues. This lets more light down onto the forest floor, encouraging new plant growth and increasing the amount of birds, insects and reptiles that can use the woodland.
One of the oldest native British breeds in the country. They’re very fast and agile, they will work their way in through the undergrowth in the trees, following the cleared areas of the cattle. They will eat more of the woody vegetation and stretch up a bit higher to eat some of the higher vegetation. They’re very different to the cattle, for example, their teeth create a much more even layer on the ground. Between the two of them, the habitat will be mixed up in a lot of different ways which creates more opportunities for a variety of creatures to make a home in their wake.
Iron-age pigs are a hybrid breed between a wild boar and Tamworth pig. They do a similar job to a wild boar but they don’t have the legislative requirements under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.
While the cattle and ponies work on the vegetation, the pigs are working down on the floor. They’re going to disturb the ground, turning the snouts with their soil, allowing new seeds to come to the surface to germinate. It’s also going to create microclimates for tiny creatures to hide and get shelter in.
These are old fashioned breeds which are designed to be living out all year round. They’re incredibly well-insulated, so they can handle tough winters. But in the summer when it’s hot, they use the woodlands to provide shelter from the sun and cover from the flies.
The wide variety of different habitats at the Blean will provide adequate food and shelter for the animals to remain healthy throughout the year. Alongside this, a team of volunteers works with Kent Wildlife Trust staff to carry out regular welfare checks to make sure.
Currently the only herd in a breeding situation at West Blean are the bison, this is so that we can monitor the growth of this herd closely and ensure all our conservation grazers have plenty of space and food.
We really want everyone to enjoy visiting the woods but to do that we need everyone to follow a few of simple rules to ensure the protection of the animals and the enjoyment of all.
We thank everyone who has already spotted these wonderful animals roaming through the woodlands and we encourage you to share your experiences with us on social media. Please tag us in your posts and use the hashtag #WilderBlean.
If you have any questions about the conservation grazers or would like to learn more, make sure to check out our web page and FAQ's.
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