Did you see those goats!

Bournemouth is a coastal town in Dorset, (England), UK. It is a popular seaside resort and also offers all year-round fun, activities and entertainment. During the Christmas Holiday season 'Christmas Tree Wonderland' is very popular, so too the Christmas market. 

There are also some special critters to see because the "Bournemouth clifftop goat herd is set to double" ... yes ...

"A herd of 50 goats that graze steep cliffs of a seaside resort is set to double in size.

Ten goats were first brought in as an alternative to manage the vast area of cliffside vegetation in Bournemouth by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in 2009. Now a breeding project is under way to expand the herd to 100 to graze the area between West Cliff to Southbourne. Funding has come from a government agreement with Natural England.

The council and volunteer grazier, Mark Jackson, look after the herd, which includes several different breeds - Kashmir, Boer a South African breed, and feral goats. He said: "Yes it's a lot of goats but with the amount of grazing they've got to do it's a fair number - we're going to breed at a nice slow steady pace." The mums-to-be are taken off the clifftop about a month before they are due to birth and taken to a nearby small holding.

Tom Bennet, council ranger, said: "It's moved away from people just wanting to come to the coast and see the amazing beaches and views. "The goats are now a real tourist attraction in this area, which is really good."

The herd live on a seven-mile (11km) stretch of cliffs year-round, and they are placed in groups to graze within 11 two or three hectare fenced off areas.

"The goats are doing a really good job for us, managing vegetation that's almost impossible to do by hand," Mr Bennett said. "Without the goats, we really struggled to look after this area."

This year's new arrivals are expected to join the herd on the cliffs in the spring."

See the above story here

Talking goats! Have you tried goats' cheese?

Read facts about Goats Cheese and see a recipe for 'Jewelled Mushroom Salad & Goat Cheese' here

You will find a variety of recipes and articles within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan