Goats to play key role in eco-friendly care of historic ironworks site

A world heritage site peppered with iconic history probably isn’t the first place which springs to mind as a new home for a herd of 4-legged mammals, but that’s exactly where 18 goats are soon to call their own.

The steep embankments and remarkable archaeology at Blaenavon Ironworks World Heritage Site – set at the foot of Bannau Brycheiniog and managed by Cadw – present a real challenge compared to the usual management of historic green spaces. But what began as a problem has opened the door to an unexpected opportunity.

That’s where the Bagot goats come in.

Goats naturally prefer woody and fibrous plants, such as bramble, bracken and hawthorns, which other livestock tend to avoid. These kinds of species can quickly overwhelm industrial landscapes, but the goats eating habits will help to naturally maintain them.

Ecologically, goats also deliver real benefits for wildlife by thinning out dominant greenery, meaning light better reaches the ground layer and encourages wildflowers, grasses and bugs to flourish. Unlike machinery which levels vegetation uniformly, goats create a variety that is far more beneficial for pollinators and other wildlife.

The initiative also supports Cadw’s sustainability goals. Goats require no fuel or chemicals, produce minimal waste, and help reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional maintenance. The goat’s care will be innovative too; they will be fitted with virtual fencing collars and monitored via 4G solar-powered cameras.

Dr. Kate Roberts, CEO of Cadw, said: “Blaenavon Ironworks is a place where history and landscape are inseparable, and this initiative reflects that perfectly.

“Bagot goats have been part of the Welsh countryside for generations and now they’ll help us care for this remarkable landscape in a way that’s sensitive to its character, better for wildlife, and kinder to the environment – and we hope visitors will enjoy seeing them as part of the site’s story.”

The goats will be provided and managed by Grazing Management Ltd, a specialist land management company focused on natural and ecological solutions for challenging sites.

Alex from Grazing Management Ltd, said: “Blaenavon was a site of incredible innovation and it’s a privilege to bring some new innovations to help preserve this historic site.”