Bournemouth Beach Goats are a captivating and unique attraction that have become a beloved part of the Dorset coastline. These cashmere goats, originally from the Great Orme in Wales, were introduced to the Poole Bay Cliffs around a decade ago as part of an environmental grazing project. Today, they freely roam the East Cliff near Bournemouth Pier, delighting visitors with their fluffy white coats and playful antics.
The Bournemouth Beach Goats: An Environmental Grazing Project
The Bournemouth Beach Goats were introduced to the area as part of an environmental grazing project aimed at managing the vegetation on the Poole Bay Cliffs, which are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These goats, primarily cashmere goats, were brought in to graze on the gorse, allowing more light to reach the ground and promoting the growth of a wider range of plant species.
The herd currently consists of at least 50 goats, and a new breeding project is underway to expand the population to around 100 goats. The goats are managed by a grazier and have nine designated grazing pens along the cliffs.
The Goats’ Origins and Relocation
The Bournemouth Beach Goats were originally from the Great Orme in Wales, where they were becoming overpopulated. They were successfully relocated to Bournemouth to help with the environmental grazing project, providing a new home for the goats while also addressing the vegetation management needs of the Poole Bay Cliffs.
Observing the Bournemouth Beach Goats
Visitors to Bournemouth can enjoy the sight of the Bournemouth Beach Goats perched on the East Cliff, grazing and exploring the area. It’s important to note that these are wild animals, and they should be observed from a safe distance. Approaching or feeding the goats is not recommended, as it can be dangerous for both the visitors and the animals.
Litter and the Bournemouth Beach Goats
One of the challenges associated with the Bournemouth Beach Goats is the issue of litter. Littering has been identified as a problem in the area, and specialists are needed to deal with the steepest areas where the goats graze. This is to ensure the safety of the goats, as they could potentially ingest or become entangled in discarded items.
Staying Up-to-Date with the Bournemouth Beach Goats
For the latest updates and information on the Bournemouth Beach Goats, visitors can check the Bournemouth Goats Facebook page. This page provides regular updates on the herd, as well as any important information for those planning to visit the area.
Conclusion
The Bournemouth Beach Goats are a unique and captivating attraction that have become an integral part of the Dorset coastline. These cashmere goats, originally from the Great Orme in Wales, were introduced to the Poole Bay Cliffs as part of an environmental grazing project and have since captured the hearts of visitors from around the world. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply someone who appreciates the charm of these fluffy creatures, the Bournemouth Beach Goats are a must-see destination on your next trip to the Dorset coast.
References:
– BBC News. (2023-11-30). Bournemouth: Litter pickers needed to keep goats safe – BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-67567244
– YouTube. (2023-01-13). The Cliff Grazing Goats of Bournemouth – YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjZg6n2smzM
– Bournemouth Echo. (2022-11-30). Bournemouth clifftop goat herd to double in numbers. Retrieved from https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/23160998.bournemouth-clifftop-goat-herd-double-numbers/
– BBC News. (2022-11-26). Bournemouth clifftop goat herd set to double – BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-63740399
– Discover Animals. (2023-01-13). The Cliff Grazing Goats of Bournemouth – Discover Animals. Retrieved from https://www.discoveranimals.co.uk/news/cliff-grazing-goats-bournemouth/