Three Royal Golden Guernsey goats have joined Guernsey’s conservation herd, expanding a project previously made up solely of Guernsey cattle.
La Société Guernesiaise established the conservation herd in 2014 to manage vegetation across the island. By grazing naturally, the animals reduce the need for mechanical cutting and help support biodiversity in Guernsey.
Herd manager Will Harford-Fox said the Royal Golden Guernsey goats would target plants often missed by cattle, including gorse, blackthorn and brambles.
The goats were welcomed during their release by the Governor of Guernsey, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell. He said: “They can make a really valuable contribution to how Guernsey manages its own environment in the future.”
He said the arrival of the goats also marked an important milestone in conserving the breed, which received its royal title from King Charles III in July 2024.
He added: “Many people for a number of years have been working to see how we can preserve but also promote the breed.
“Today is the first step really in seeing how we can broaden the way in which the goats live and are perceived by others.”
Source: www.bbc.co.uk