Using the introduction of European Bison in Kent as a contextual basis, Evan Bowen-Jones argues that the pragmatic utilisation of ecosystem engineers is the only viable future for conservation in a Britain in a changing climate.
People, quite understandably, ask why Kent Wildlife Trust, working with Wildwood Trust, has released European Bison Bison bonasus into West Blean Woods, near Canterbury. Patrick Barkham’s 2023 article (BW 34: 478-484) did a good job of talking about the initiative in relation to the wilding movement, but the rationale for introducing this new conservation grazer goes much deeper.