Wildwood Trust

Founded: 2002 (though the wildlife centre itself opened in 1999).

Organisation Type: Wildlife Park and Charity

Location: Kent, UK (with a second site in Escot, Devon).

Mission Statement:

To protect, conserve, and rewild British wildlife.

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Fluff & Scruff, two beloved bear brothers. © Wildwood Trust

Wildwood Trust

Wildwood Trust is a British wildlife park dedicated to the conservation and rewilding of native species.

Their work spans animal welfare, public education, and hands-on conservation projects, such as breeding and reintroducing endangered species. With a focus on restoring habitats and reintroducing keystone species like beavers and bison, Wildwood Trust is actively involved in efforts to protect biodiversity and create sustainable ecosystems.

They work both onsite and through partnerships across the UK to support rewilding and conservation projects.

What are Wildwood Trust currently working on?

European Bison Rewilding: Wildwood Trust introduced European bison to Kent in 2022. This project, in collaboration with Kent Wildlife Trust, aims to restore 600 hectares of ancient woodland by using these keystone species to naturally manage the landscape.

Wildcat Breeding & Reintroduction: Wildwood Trust is currently working on breeding European wildcats, the UK’s rarest mammal, with the goal of reintroducing them to the wild to restore natural predator populations.

Red-Billed Chough Reintroduction: In 2023, Wildwood successfully reintroduced the red-billed chough to the skies above Dover. This culturally iconic bird hadn’t been seen in Kent for over 200 years

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The mother’s grooming reassures and comforts the young calf. © Donovan Wright

What are some Wildwood Trust Statistics and Achievements?

Over 200 Native Species: The Wildwood Trust cares for more than 200 British animals at their two parks in Kent and Devon

Keystone Species Reintroductions: Wildwood has played a pivotal role in reintroducing European beavers to the UK (since 1999) and European bison in 2022 as part of a project aimed at restoring 600 hectares of ancient woodland in Kent.

Species Conservation Success: They have successfully bred and reintroduced several endangered species, including the water vole, red squirrel, and hazel dormouse, helping to restore these species to areas where they had become extinct.

Habitat Restoration: Through their conservation and rewilding projects, Wildwood Trust is actively involved in restoring natural habitats across the UK, especially wetlands and woodlands.

The Chough, a clever corvid, is known for its agility in the air and its playful nature. © Dave Butcher

Who Founded Wildwood Trust?

The Wildwood Trust was founded by Kenneth Henry West, a dedicated conservationist who was instrumental in shaping the park’s mission of rewilding and protecting native British wildlife. Ken West took over the park in 2002 and transformed it into the charitable organisation it is today. His leadership left a lasting legacy, and he played a significant role in other conservation efforts across Kent as well.

Following his passing in 2017, Paul Whitfield took over as Director General, continuing West's vision of rewilding and wildlife conservation.

Lynx are shy and elusive, rarely seen by humans in the wild, © Alexas Fotos, Pixabay

Shop for Wildwood Trust

Help protect British wildlife with every purchase! Our collection supports Wildwood Trust’s vital conservation and rewilding projects, from reintroducing species like bison and beavers to restoring precious habitats. Explore the collection and make a difference today.