Goats return to Hauxley Nature Reserve for winter grazing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 06:19 · Archive

Thirteen goats have arrived at Hauxley Nature Reserve in Northumberland to help manage habitats over winter.

Thirteen English goats and goat crosses have arrived at Hauxley Nature Reserve in Northumberland to help manage the site over the winter months. The herd is part of a conservation grazing scheme run in partnership with Flexigraze CIC and Wilde Farm in Ponteland.

The animals will graze the reserve to help manage wildflower meadows and control scrub growth. Unlike sheep or cattle, goats prefer to browse on woody plants such as brambles, gorse and hawthorn, making them well-suited for targeted habitat management.

Alex Lister, Druridge Bay landscapes manager at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said the grazing scheme had proved successful during a previous year. He described the goats as 'nature's gardeners' whose appetite for scrub and thorny vegetation helps manage habitats that wildflowers, insects and birds need to thrive. The animals have 'become a real hit with visitors', according to Lister.

The goats are fitted with GPS-enabled NoFence collars, which allow staff to set virtual boundaries and monitor their movements remotely, protecting sensitive areas of the reserve.

How it is being reported

• Thirteen goats return to Hauxley Nature Reserve for winter grazingA herd of English goats has arrived to help manage a Northumberland nature reserve.Hexham Courant · 9 Oct, 05:00
• Goats help shape a wilder future at HauxleyA team of new managers have arrived at Northumberland Wildlife Trust's Hauxley Nature Reserve to carry out essential maintenance over the coming months.Morpeth Herald · 7 Oct, 11:25

In this story: Hauxley Nature Reserve · Northumberland Wildlife Trust · Northumberland · Flexigraze CIC · Wilde Farm · Alex Lister

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