Goats on the Gorge

A herd of six feral goats have been introduced into a specially fenced area of the Gorge, known as the Gully. They are here to help restore wildflower-rich grassland by controlling scrub.

About the project

Avon Gorge is one of the country’s top botanical sites and is home to a large number of rare plants, including the Bristol onion and Bristol rock cress that grow nowhere else in the UK. Most of the rare plants grow in wildflower-rich grassland on rocky outcrops and grassy slopes. Wildflower-rich grassland was once widespread on the Bristol side of the Avon Gorge. This is because it used to be grazed by sheep, which kept the land open and largely free of trees.

When grazing ceased at the beginning of the last century woodland gradually developed and the grassland almost disappeared along with many of the rare plants. Since 1999, the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project has been working to save and protect the natural grasslands on the gorge. As well as protecting those areas of grassland that remain, the project has been working in the Gully to restore grassland where it existed before. The first phase of the restoration has been completed with the removal of trees and scrub from the Gully.

Why the goats are needed?

It’s now the goats’ job to control the scrub re-growth and help to encourage the grasses and wildflowers to re-establish. Goats have been chosen because they are good at controlling scrubby vegetation and suit the steep and difficult terrain.

Caring for the goats

The council’s Downs ranger’s team will care for the goats and carry out daily checks on the animals. Bristol Zoo Gardens is providing veterinary care.

How is the project funded?

The project is receiving funding from Natural England under its Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

Goats - frequently asked questions

If you have any questions regarding the goats, please see our frequently asked questions (pdf, 166 KB) (opens new window)

Gorge management

The management of the Bristol side of the Avon Gorge is set out in the management plan.

Finding out more

There will be opportunities to find out more about the project and goats as part of the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project events programme, visit their Avon Gorge website for details.