It’s taken its sweet time this year, but the season for wooly hats and chunky knitwear is finally upon us. Crisp, crunchy walks have catapulted straight to the top of our weekend agendas, and we’ve discovered another spot that looks like it could have jumped straight from the scene of an autumnal rom-com for your next seasonal stroll.
West Blean and Thornden Woods is a nature reserve that forms one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in the country, with parts of it dating back almost 1000 years. Managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust, the 560-hectare woodland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due its abundance of wildlife, and it’s the perfect spot to head to if you fancy inhaling some fresh air and spotting some incredible animals.
Credit: @aurimaskan via Instagram
Wildlife in West Blean and Thornden Woods
Since taking over the reserve almost 20 years ago, Kent Wildlife Trust have been working to return the site back to a naturally functioning woodland after it being heavily modified to produce timber by previous owners. West Blean and Thornden Woods is home to various conservation projects and many free-roaming, wild animals. Whilst wandering through the woodland, visitors may get the chance to see Exmoor ponies, Iron-Age pigs, more than 50 species of breeding birds, a population of the declining and proteced hazel dormouse, and the UK’s only free-roaming bison herd.
A conservation project saw three European bison released into the woods in 2022; the first time bison had been reintroduced into the UK in 6000 years. The UK’s first ever bison bridges are currently being constructed to allow the bison herd more space to roam, without giving them access to the entire woodland (as legislation prevents them from sharing the same space as the public).
Credit: @kentwildlife via Instagram
There are several way-marked walks that can be followed through the woodland, each varying in length and difficulty. There’s also a Wild Art Trail and a bison viewing point that will give you the best chances to spot on of the free-roaming beauties.
Getting to West Blean and Thornden Woods from London
West Blean and Thornden Woods is approximately a two hour drive from Central London, and there is charged parking available. Non drivers can hop on a train from London Victoria to Chestfield & Swalecliffe, which is then a quick bus journey or cab ride from the woodlands.
Find out more about the conservation projects, how the bridge construction affects some of the pathways, and plan your visit to West Blean and Thornden Woods here.