Bristol City Council wants goats on Avon Gorge

A herd of feral goats could be released to roam freely on the banks of the Avon Gorge in a bid to protect rare plants.

Bristol City Council have put forward a proposal to introduce up to six of the animals to keep scrub that encroaches on rare plants in the area under control.

The council says the costs, if the plan was approved would include fencing and veterinary bills, would be "minimal".

A spokeswoman at Cheddar Caves, where goats and sheep roam the Cheddar Gorge, said the size of herd suggested would probably cost less than £500 a year to maintain.

The goats would be contained in a specially fenced area and be looked after by the Downs ranger's team.

It is believed the goats would come from a flock in Burrington Combe, south of Bristol.

The proposal has been put forward by the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project as part of a management plan for the Bristol side of the gorge, which is home to 27 nationally rare and scarce plants.

The proposals come two weeks after the council approved plans to buy Stoke Park and graze a herd of beef cattle on the 200-acre site.

Natural England spokesman Chris Westcott said: "Many of the rare plants are only found in the few open grassy areas on the gorge. They are under constant threat of encroachment by trees and scrub.

"Over the last five years the project has been carefully removing trees and scrub in a special area known as The Gully. Grassland and rare plants are beginning to make a comeback but we need to keep the scrubby regrowth under control.

"One of the best ways to achieve this is to introduce a small herd of five or six goats within a specially fenced area. If this option is approved the goats would be looked after by the Downs ranger's team.

"The reason goats have been selected is because of their ability to eat things like brambles and ivy. They don't choose to eat wild flowers."

He added: "In the past we have had to recruit specialist contractors to go in and deal with the scrub manually, so, as you can imagine, it is quite expensive. This is a more sustainable way of managing the area.

"The gully itself would not be visible from the road but would be accessible to the public because we would want them to come and see this hidden gem."

It is not the first time that goats have been used to control scrub but the concept would be unique in Bristol.

Mandy Leivers, of the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project, said: "The Avon Gorge is nationally and internationally recognised as a special place for wildlife.

"The gorge is home to 27 nationally rare and scarce plants, including the 'Bristol Onion', which is found nowhere else in the UK. A whole host of rare animals also live here, including peregrine falcons; greater and lesser horseshoe bats and a number of rare insects. It's our responsibility to make sure their environment is protected and managed to ensure their survival."

Gary Hopkins, cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: "The Avon Gorge is one of Bristol's most beautiful natural places.

"It is vital we all work together to protect and conserve its unique environment and the wildlife habitats it supports."

Francis Greenacre, member of the Downs Committee, said: "The proposals have been drawn up with advice and guidance from national experts and conservation organisations such as Butterfly Conservation, Natural England and the University of Bristol. They set out how the gorge's special wildlife can be conserved, how the landscape can be enhanced, as well making sure the gorge stays as an enjoyable and accessible place for visitors. We hope people will take a close look at our proposals and send in their comments."

The proposals will be available for public comment from Friday, 17 April to Friday, May 29, 2009.

A special display on The Downs, next to the Downs Tea Room on Stoke Road, will be open to the public from 9.30am to 4pm from tomorrow until Monday , April 20 and from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Tuesday, April 21.