“Bison are no more dangerous than domestic cattle…”

Oh my, a sadly departed Blogger would have laughed himself hoarse at that...

When Europe’s heaviest land mammals were introduced into a woodland on the edge of Canterbury, it was hoped they would flourish and make space for other wildlife. But the European bison have been so successful in West Blean and Thornden Woods that more space must be made for them – in the form of Britain’s first ever bison bridges.

Whut? 

Four bridges costing a total of £1m are being built in to allow introduced bison, which are classified as dangerous wild animals in UK law, to cross the maze of public footpaths in the ancient woods without interacting with people.

At least the taxpayer's not entirely on the hook for this one:

The bridges, which are funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund alongside National Highways, the Michael Uren Foundation, Veolia Environmental Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation and private donors, will enable the herd to traverse 200 hectares.

We really should be looking to the continent to see the potential hazards of this sort of thing. 

Simon Bateman-Brown of Kent Wildlife Trust said:“We recognise that miles of fencing and bridges is a barrier to rewilding projects, but we must demonstrate what can be achieved so we can advocate for change. Bison are no more dangerous than domestic cattle and, in other parts of the world, they roam freely in public areas.

“Our long-term vision is to remove the steel fencing and have the herd contained via electric fencing, but until the government makes the law fit for rewilding, we will continue to make a case for projects like this, so they can be replicated.”

You mean, until the government abandons health and safety entirely, Simon?