Bleanbottom Shaw

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Bleanbottom Shaw

European bison, Wildwood, Herne They have a close resemblance to their American cousin but are a separate species. Heaviest wild land animal in Europe. Historically, it could be found throughout western, central and south eastern Europe, but suffered wide scale extinction by 1920s. Currently, there are semi-wild herds in Eastern Europe and Russia following reintroductions — European bison, Wildwood, Herne Credit: pam fray

Bleanbottom Shaw is a small woodland located in the county of Kent, England. Situated in the larger Blean Woods complex, it is part of the ancient Blean Forest. The forest covers an area of approximately 11 square kilometers and is one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in the county.

Bleanbottom Shaw is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, ash, beech, and hazel. These trees create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for a variety of flora and fauna. The woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells in the spring, adding a vibrant burst of color to the landscape.

The shaw is intersected by several footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the woodland and enjoy its natural beauty. The area is popular among hikers, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers. It provides a habitat for a wide range of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

The Bleanbottom Shaw is also an important conservation area, providing sanctuary for many rare and endangered species. It is managed by the Woodland Trust, which works to protect and preserve the ancient woodland and its biodiversity.

Overall, Bleanbottom Shaw is a tranquil and picturesque woodland that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Its rich biodiversity and natural beauty make it a valuable asset to the local community and a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

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Bleanbottom Shaw Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.343794/1.097485 or Grid Reference TR1565. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

European bison, Wildwood, Herne

They have a close resemblance to their American cousin but are a separate species. Heaviest wild land animal in Europe. Historically, it could be found throughout western, central and south eastern Europe, but suffered wide scale extinction by 1920s. Currently, there are semi-wild herds in Eastern Europe and Russia following reintroductions

pam fray

Fallow deer, Wildwood, Herne

Introduced to Britain by the Roman Empire, but again later on by the Normans in the 11th century. Originally they were kept in deer parks for entertainment purposes, however once popularity of the species declined, interest also declined and there were a number of escapees. Although not technically native, they are regarded as naturalised in the UK and are now widespread.

pam fray

Bear Bridge, Wildwood, Herne

Bridge over the bear enclosure. Wildwood is home to two European brown bears called Fluff and Scruff. They arrived in November 2014 after being rescued from a shocking life in Bulgaria. They were born at a brown bear breeding centre, bred to be hunted. They lived their entire lives there, in barren, small, concrete pits until the centre was abandoned. They were severely underweight, and showing signs of serious stress, anxiety and psychological trauma. Their rescue was possible due to Wildwood’s fantastic supporters who helped to raise £50,000 to bring them to the park. Here they live in a spacious woodland home, with inside denning areas. For the first time in their lives, Fluff and Scruff entered torpor (a form of semi hibernation) in 2015, a crucial natural behaviour that they had never had the opportunity to undergo before.

pam fray

Part of the bear enclosure, Wildwood, Herne

Wildwood is home to two European brown bears called Fluff and Scruff. They arrived in November 2014 after being rescued from a shocking life in Bulgaria. They were born at a brown bear breeding centre, bred to be hunted. They lived their entire lives there, in barren, small, concrete pits until the centre was abandoned. They were severely underweight, and showing signs of serious stress, anxiety and psychological trauma. Their rescue was possible due to Wildwood’s fantastic supporters who helped to raise £50,000 to bring them to the park. Here they live in a spacious woodland home, with inside denning areas. For the first time in their lives, Fluff and Scruff entered torpor (a form of semi hibernation) in 2015, a crucial natural behaviour that they had never had the opportunity to undergo before.

pam fray

A soay sheep, Wildwood, Herne

Small, hardy breed of domestic sheep. Normally brown in colour with lighter faces, underside and rumps. Descended from a population of feral sheep found on the Scottish Island of Soay. Have since been transported to other UK islands and mainland UK. They shed their wool naturally so there is no need for shearing.

pam fray

The A299, Thanet Way

The A299, Thanet Way viewed from a layby near Greenhill.

Philip Halling

Molehill Road

The footpath on the left here has been re-routed compared to the OS Map.

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View from Molehill Road

The A299 Thanet Way is on the other side of the hedge on the right hand side of the field.

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View from the entrance to Red House Farm

The houses in the distance are at Greenhill which is a suburb of Herne Bay to the south of the A299.

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House at Great Ruckinge Farm

This attractive house can be seen from Thornden Wood Road.

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Track at Warren Farm

This track leads off Thornden Wood Road. Warren Farm is on the left.

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Former car park in Thornden Wood

Street view of July 2009 for Thornden Wood Road shows this as a very small car park but as can be seen, it has now been closed off.

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Spider web, Wildwood, Herne

Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. Its aim is to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats for nature to thrive.

pam fray

Arctic fox, Wildwood, Herne

Viewed from the walkway above the enclosure. The coat of the arctic fox changes colour with the season. In the summer, their coats are brown or black. They then turn white in winter. There are two adults at Wildwood, named Albert and Flo. Arctic foxes were present in the UK at the time of the last Ice Age.

pam fray

Wildwood, Herne

Fallow deer resting in the sunshine.

pam fray

Field next to Molehill Road

The A299 (Thanet Way) is just out of sight to the right of the photograph so it is quite noisy here.

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Molehill Road

The footpath on the left here, opposite the pole, leading to Maydowns Road has been re-routed compared to the OS Map which shows it starting further around the bend.

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Footpath from Molehill Road

The footpath here which leads to Maydowns Road has been re-routed compared to the OS Map which shows it starting from Molehill Road further to the east.

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Bleanbottom Shaw is located at Grid Ref: TR1565 (Lat: 51.343794, Lng: 1.097485)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Canterbury

Police Authority: Kent