West Blean and Thornden Woods
Explore ancient woodlands and witness a groundbreaking rewilding project with European bison at West Blean and Thornden Woods.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Birdsong and new growth
West Blean and Thornden Woods
Best Time
Birdsong and new growth
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient woodlands and witness a groundbreaking rewilding project with European bison at West Blean and Thornden Woods.
"A wonderful place to visit, home to European bison and one of the UK's largest ancient woodlands!"
🐾 Keep Dogs Under Control
Conservation grazing areas mean dogs must be leashed to protect wildlife.
👢 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be very muddy and uneven, especially after rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
European Bison
Designated grazing areas
Witness these magnificent creatures as part of a groundbreaking rewilding project. Sightings can vary!
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Ancient Woodland
Throughout the woods
Explore one of the UK's largest ancient woodlands, rich in biodiversity and historical significance.
Wild Art Trail
Near Thornden Wood car park
A family-friendly trail featuring art installations amidst nature, perfect for little explorers.
Conservation Grazers
Various paddocks
See Exmoor ponies, Highland cattle, and Iron Age pigs helping to manage the woodland habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bison Spotting & Wilding Project
+1Path Conditions & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Keep Dogs Under Control
Conservation grazing areas mean dogs must be leashed to protect wildlife.
👢 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be very muddy and uneven, especially after rain.
📸 Patience for Bison
Bison sightings are not guaranteed; they are wild animals in a large area.
🗺️ Check Trail Status
Some routes may be affected by construction or animal segregation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Keep Dogs Under Control
Conservation grazing areas mean dogs must be leashed to protect wildlife.
👢 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be very muddy and uneven, especially after rain.
📸 Patience for Bison
Bison sightings are not guaranteed; they are wild animals in a large area.
🗺️ Check Trail Status
Some routes may be affected by construction or animal segregation.
🚗 Car Park Potholes
Be cautious of significant potholes in the car park areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise West Blean and Thornden Woods for its significant ancient woodland and the exciting 'Wilder Blean' rewilding project, particularly the presence of European bison and other conservation grazers. However, some find the path conditions and car park maintenance to be poor, with significant mud and potholes impacting accessibility and the overall experience. +1
"This is absolutely wonderful place to visit. This is where they have European bison!!!! The woods themselves are worth seeing as these are one of the oldest semi-natiral woodlands in the UK and are international level of importance site for wildlife. Apart from bisons you can see other interesting grazer like Exmoore ponies, Iron Age pigs and longhorn cattle. The animal park has a diversity of a wildlife that used to live in the area, such as white storks, wild cats, bears and wolves! Really worth visiting."
Piotr Cuber
"Part of the Blean complex, the largest ancient woodland in Kent. This part of the Blean is owned by the Kent Wildlife Trust and is mixed woodland. The non native pine plantations are slowly being removed and coppicing takes place in encourage wildlife such as the heath fritilary butterfly and nightingales. New Road runs through the centre of the wood. There is car park off Thornden Wood. The art trail next to the car park is wheelchair accessible. Most of the paths are dirt tracks that get muddy in winter. There are 3 main waymarked tracks, black, green and white, as well as several public footpaths including the Big Blean Walk. Popular area to take the dog or children for a walk. Conservation grazing by konik ponies and Highland cattle in different areas of the woodland so please keep dogs under control."
Francesca Partridge
"Amazing - didn't get to see the Bison, but the woodland walk is beautiful with benches along the way."
Caryll Comley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The woods are located near Canterbury, Kent. There are car parks available off New Road and Thornden Wood. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient.
Yes, there are car parks, notably one off Thornden Wood. However, be aware that these can be full of potholes and get muddy.
Cycling is generally permitted on designated paths, but be mindful of other visitors and the terrain, which can be uneven and muddy.
While possible, reaching the woods via public transport may require significant walking from the nearest bus stops or train stations. Driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
The nearest major town is Canterbury, which offers a wider range of amenities and transport links.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the woodland itself is generally free, as it's managed by Kent Wildlife Trust. However, there might be charges associated with specific parking areas or events.
As a natural woodland, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. Always check the Kent Wildlife Trust website for any specific access restrictions or seasonal changes.
The bison are part of a rewilding project within the woods, and access to the general woodland is usually free. Specific viewing platforms or guided tours might have separate charges.
Guided tours or specific wildlife watching events may be offered by Kent Wildlife Trust or Wildwood Trust. It's best to check their respective websites for availability and booking information.
Discounts are typically not applicable for general woodland access. For specific events or guided tours, check with the organizing bodies like Kent Wildlife Trust.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a rewilding initiative by Wildwood Trust and Kent Wildlife Trust to reintroduce European bison and other grazers to restore the woodland ecosystem, promoting biodiversity.
Sightings are not guaranteed as the bison are wild and roam within fenced areas. Patience and quiet observation increase your chances.
Besides bison, you might spot Exmoor ponies, Highland cattle, Iron Age pigs, and various bird species like nightingales.
The art trail near the Thornden Wood car park is wheelchair accessible. Other paths are dirt tracks and can be muddy and uneven.
Facilities are minimal, focusing on the natural woodland experience. There are benches along some paths, but no cafes or restrooms within the woods themselves.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient woodland itself offers beautiful light filtering through the trees. The art trail provides unique compositions, and capturing the wildlife requires patience and a good zoom lens.
Yes, but it requires patience and respect for their space. Use a telephoto lens to capture them safely from a distance.
A versatile setup is best. A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions in the dense woodland.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so check with Kent Wildlife Trust.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light, with golden hour creating a magical atmosphere within the ancient woodland.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While seeing the bison is a thrilling prospect, manage expectations as sightings aren't guaranteed. The sheer scale of the ancient woodland and the ongoing rewilding efforts provide a unique educational experience. It's a great place for kids to connect with nature and learn about conservation in a hands-on way. Ensure dogs are kept on a lead at all times due to the presence of grazing animals.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Be prepared for challenging terrain; the natural dirt tracks can be very muddy and uneven, so appropriate footwear is essential. The opportunity to observe conservation grazers like ponies and cattle in their managed environment adds another layer to the experience. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the interplay of light and shadow in the dense woodland and the unique wildlife.
🐾 Dog Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wilder Blean Project: Rewilding in Action
+1This ambitious project is not just about introducing animals; it's about habitat restoration on a large scale. By allowing natural processes to take over, the project hopes to increase biodiversity, support rare species like the heath fritillary butterfly and nightingales, and create a more resilient woodland environment. Visitors can observe this ongoing transformation, understanding that their presence contributes to the awareness and success of this vital conservation effort.
While the primary goal is ecological restoration, the presence of these large herbivores offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness wildlife in a natural setting. It’s a chance to see conservation in action and understand the complex interplay between animals and their environment. Remember that these are wild animals, and observing them requires patience, respect, and adherence to safety guidelines.
Navigating the Woods: Paths and Accessibility
For those seeking more accessible routes, the art trail located near the Thornden Wood car park is a notable exception. This trail is designed to be wheelchair accessible, providing a more inclusive way to experience the natural beauty and art installations within the woods. However, it's important to note that other areas of the woodland may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Be aware that the car park areas themselves can also be affected by potholes, which may pose a challenge for some vehicles. Additionally, temporary disruptions can occur due to construction vehicles or the segregation of animals for their welfare or viewing. It's always a good idea to check for any local advisories or updates before your visit.
Wildlife Encounters: Bison and Beyond
Beyond the bison, the woods are home to a variety of other conservation grazers that play a vital role in habitat management. You might encounter Exmoor ponies, known for their hardiness, and Highland cattle with their distinctive long horns. The presence of Iron Age pigs also adds to the unique fauna you can observe. These animals help to manage vegetation, contributing to the overall health and diversity of the woodland.
While less frequently seen, the woods are also recognized for their importance to avian wildlife, with nightingales being a notable resident. The ongoing habitat restoration efforts aim to support a wide array of species, making every visit a potential discovery. Always maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and ensure dogs are kept under control, especially in areas where grazing animals are present.
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