The Wildwood Trust is more than just a wildlife park; it is a leading British conservation charity and a beacon of hope for the UK’s biodiversity. Operating across two stunning sites—Wildwood Kent near Canterbury and Wildwood Devon near Ottery St Mary—the Trust is dedicated to a singular, ambitious mission: to protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife.
Spanning over 40 acres of ancient woodland in Kent and 45 acres of parkland in Devon, Wildwood provides a sanctuary for over 200 native animals. But its work extends far beyond the fences of its enclosures. Through pioneering rewilding projects, world-class captive breeding programs, and immersive education, Wildwood is actively reshaping the British landscape.
The animals at Wildwood are "native" in the broadest sense—some are still found in the British countryside, while others are "ghost species" that were driven to extinction by hunting or habitat loss centuries ago.
One of the most powerful experiences at Wildwood is coming "nose-to-nose" with the animals that once ruled the British Isles.
European Brown Bears: In Kent, visitors can see Fluff, Scruff, and Boki. Fluff and Scruff were rescued from a "canned hunt" breeding center in Bulgaria and now live in a vast, natural woodland enclosure.
European Grey Wolves: These majestic predators were once common across Britain. Wildwood’s wolf pack serves as a reminder of the lost balance of our ecosystems.
Eurasian Lynx: With their tufted ears and silent gait, the lynx at Wildwood represent a species that conservationists hope to one day see roaming the Scottish Highlands or Northern England.
European Bison: Known as the "Behemoths of the Blean," these are keystone species. In 2022, Wildwood made history by releasing bison into the West Blean and Thornden Woods in Kent—the first such release in the UK.
Eurasian Elk: The largest species of deer, these giants were once native to Britain. Seeing them among the trees is like stepping back into the Post-Glacial era.
Red Squirrels: One of the Trust’s great success stories. Visitors can walk through a dedicated red squirrel habitat in Devon, seeing these acrobatic mammals without the interference of the invasive Grey Squirrel.
European Beavers: Wildwood was instrumental in the first licensed beaver reintroductions in the UK. These "ecosystem engineers" are famous for creating wetlands that support thousands of other species.
European Wildcats: Often called the "Highland Tiger," the wildcat is the UK's rarest mammal. Wildwood participates in a national breeding program to ensure their survival.
Pine Martens: These elusive members of the weasel family are being bred at Wildwood for reintroduction projects in Southern England.
Badgers, Foxes, and Wild Boar: The parks provide a home for the familiar faces of British wildlife, often rescued or unable to survive in the wild.
Otters: Playful and popular, the otters at Wildwood highlight the importance of clean, healthy river systems.
Water Voles and Dormice: Small but mighty, these species are the focus of intense conservation efforts. Wildwood has bred and released over 1,000 Hazel Dormice into the wild.
Red-Billed Chough: After being extinct in Kent for 200 years, Wildwood successfully reintroduced these stunning crows to the cliffs of Dover in 2023.
Birds of Prey: From the silent Snowy Owl and Barn Owl to the magnificent Eagle Owl, the Trust showcases the variety of Britain’s avian predators.
White Storks: Wildwood is a partner in the White Stork Project, aiming to see these birds nesting on English rooftops once again.
Reptiles and Amphibians: The Trust keeps and breeds Adders, Grass Snakes, and various lizards, as well as native frogs and toads.
The Smallest Wonders: Wildwood even focuses on the often-overlooked species, such as Honey Bees, White-Clawed Crayfish, and the rare Tadpole Shrimp.
Wildwood is a "center of excellence" for breeding native species for release. Their expertise is sought after globally.
Dormouse Reintroduction: Working with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), Wildwood breeds dormice that are released into secret woodland locations across the UK to bolster failing populations.
Water Vole Rescue: When development threatens water vole habitats, Wildwood often steps in to house and breed the displaced animals, ensuring the local population isn't lost.
The Crayfish "Ark": In Devon, the Trust has created an "Ark Site" for the White-Clawed Crayfish, protecting them from the "crayfish plague" carried by invasive American Signal Crayfish.
Wildwood doesn't just want to save species; they want to restore the processes that keep nature healthy.
The Wilder Blean Project: This is perhaps their most famous work. By using bison, Iron Age pigs, Exmoor ponies, and Longhorn cattle as "natural managers," they are turning a commercial pine plantation back into a diverse, resilient ancient woodland. The bison create "light gaps" in the canopy by debarking trees and creating dust baths, which allows wildflowers and insects to thrive.
Keystone Species Advocacy: The Trust advocates for the return of "keystone" animals—those that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment.
Wildwood believes that "people are the most influential keystone species." To save nature, we must first love it.
Immersive Learning: Thousands of schoolchildren visit the parks annually for workshops on everything from "Living History" (exploring how our ancestors lived with nature) to "Bushcraft."
Conservation Courses: For adults and students, the Trust offers specialist training in mammal identification, dormouse handling, and even wildlife photography.
The Saxon Village: In Devon, visitors can explore a recreated Saxon Village, highlighting the historical relationship between humans and the British wild.
Wildwood is a charity that relies on public support to fund its vital work.
Membership: Joining Wildwood provides unlimited access to both parks and supports the animals' care.
Animal Adoption: You can "adopt" any animal in the park—from a bear to a honey bee—receiving a certificate and supporting their conservation.
Volunteering: Both sites rely on a dedicated army of volunteers who help with everything from animal feeds to maintenance and educational tours.
Gardening for Wildlife: Wildwood provides resources and inspiration for people to "rewild" their own back gardens, creating "nature corridors" across the country.
The Wildwood Trust is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets scientific expertise. By telling the story of Britain’s "past, present, and future" wildlife, they aren't just looking back at what we’ve lost—they are actively building a future where wolves might howl, bison might roam, and the red squirrel is a common sight once again. Whether you are walking the "Bear Bridge" in Kent or exploring the wetlands in Devon, a visit to Wildwood is a reminder that we are part of nature, and it is within our power to bring it back to life.
Wildwood Trust is a registered charity. Registered charity number: 1093702
