On 26 April a group of us – around 25 members – visited the Wildwood centre in Blean Woods. Some of us presumed this was all about bison but in fact it was far more varied and fascinating than that. We were taken on a two-hour tour of large and ingenious enclosures, within which we glimpsed a huge variety of animals and birds. Many of them are part of Wildwood’s breeding and reintroduction programme, being species which are either extinct in this country, or endangered. These included cranes, storks, red squirrels, pine martens and scores of water voles, which are part of a hugely ambitious project but which shyly kept out of sight in their nest boxes. Their decline has been catastrophic, due to habitat loss and predatory minks, and Wildwood has the most ambitious project in the UK, both here and in Devon.
  We also saw three somewhat disheveled bison (they were moulting I think) – part of a larger herd which roam the proper woods and for which tunnels are being built, so visitors can watch them in safety. There were also some warthogs, which are fantastically useful for rewilding as they break up the earth and encourage new growth. And, surprisingly, there were three huge brown bears which had been rescued from Bulgaria where they’d been traumatized by captivity in a compound where they were kept for trophy hunting. Now they were gaily frolicking in their own pond which was a totally delight. And, following on from our choughs talk a few weeks ago, we saw a breeding flock which will be released in Dover when they’re ready.
  In other words, it was totally fascinating and well worth a visit. If you take children they’ll find a fabulous adventure playground, plus a café. All in all, a marvellous day out.
 
Items to look forward to:

Tomorrow May 6th   Martin Crowther, Maison Dieu Engagement Officer will talk on ‘Reawakening a Gothic Fantasy’ 
Discover the fascinating history of Dover’s Maison Dieu and find out about an exciting Heritage Lottery-funded project to breathe new life into this historic and iconic building. Learn about the conservation programme, the decorative scheme, how the building is being made accessible and the ambitious activity plan to bring in new audiences, as well as how to get involved.  Kingsdown Village Hall 7pm. 
  In other news, please remember to sign up for Sue Buckingham’s flower walk on 28 June. They’re always great, but she can only take 15 – 20 people so do email Sue Lamoon (events@kingsdownconservation.co.uk) to secure a place. Meet outside the Zetland at 9.30 for a three-hour walk up to Walmer Castle and along Hawkshill Down.
   And do remember our AGM at the Kings Head on 3 July at 7pm. Food provided and the first drink is on us.
   You might also notice that we’ve become plagued by Alexanders the huge, smelly and invasive plants which will smother our more vulnerable flowers.
 
Some of us have been out with shears to cut them down before they set seed, which they will soon, so any action is necessary pretty quickly. Do help by doing some cutting yourselves; it’s surprisingly satisfying and you’ll be helping the precious ecology of our very special, coastal landscape.
 
  And isn’t it great that it’s stopped blooming raining.  All best wishes from your committee Alison, Anne-Marie, Debby, Ian, Jerry and Sue