West Blean Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

West Blean Wood

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

West Blean Wood is a beautiful woodland located in Kent, England. Situated in the heart of the Blean, a large area of ancient woodland, it covers an area of approximately 100 hectares. The wood is managed by the Woodland Trust and is part of the larger Blean Woods Nature Reserve.

This woodland is characterized by its diverse range of habitats, including ancient oak and sweet chestnut trees, as well as areas of hazel coppice. The woodland floor is covered in a rich carpet of bluebells, wood anemones, and wild garlic, creating a stunning display of colors in the spring.

West Blean Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds such as nightingales, woodpeckers, and tawny owls. It is also an important habitat for rare butterflies, including the silver-washed fritillary and the white admiral.

Visitors to the wood can enjoy a network of well-maintained footpaths that wind through the trees, providing opportunities for peaceful walks and nature exploration. There are also several picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

The Woodland Trust offers educational programs and events throughout the year, allowing visitors to learn more about the woodland's ecology and conservation. Additionally, the wood is open to the public year-round and is free to access, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Overall, West Blean Wood is a cherished natural gem in Kent, providing a haven for wildlife and offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of ancient woodland.

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West Blean Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.331133/1.1031208 or Grid Reference TR1663. 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

Track at Warren Farm

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

Marathon

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.

Marathon

Thornden Wood Road through Thornden Wood

This is looking south from the entrance to the West Blean & Thornden Woods Car Park.

Marathon

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