North Norfolk’s famous Bagot goats head south for their latest job


Monday 18 February, 2019


Some of the famous North Norfolk Bagot goats have headed south to continue their valuable conservation and habitat-management work.

The 15 billies have been sent on a long-term loan to heathland near Thetford, on land looked after by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

The loan follows the sale of a group of billies to Suffolk Wildlife Trust last year.

Cllr Sarah Butikofer, Leader of North Norfolk District Council, said: “We’re delighted that the wildlife trusts see the same potential benefits as we do.

“The goats are a cost-effective way of managing vegetation and vulnerable habitats, and they act as a draw for tourists, too.”

John Milton, Head of Nature Reserves at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said:

“We are grateful to North Norfolk District Council for loaning us the 15 Bagot goats. For some time we have wanted to experiment with grazing by goats to deal with bramble and gorse, which are a particular issue on some areas in the Brecks restored to grass heath from forestry.”

NNDC’s herd of goats spend the summer on Cromer cliff, where they have provided a cheap and easy way to keep the undergrowth under control. Nine nannies and three nanny kids are currently grazing at Salthouse Heath, getting ready for their next shift back at the seaside later this year, and the herd is expected to welcome some new kids in the next few days.

The Bagot is a rare breed, so the council and the wildlife trusts are playing a key role in securing the breed’s future.
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