Three Royal Golden Guernsey goats have been introduced to Guernsey's conservation herd. The six-month-old goats join the herd, which was established in 2014 by La Société Guernesiaise and previously comprised only Guernsey cattle.
The herd's purpose is to graze areas across the island, reducing the need for mechanical cutting and enhancing biodiversity. Herd manager Will Harford-Fox stated that the goats will consume plants that cattle typically avoid, such as gorse, blackthorn, and brambles.
Governor of Guernsey Lt Gen Sir Richard Cripwell welcomed the goats, noting their potential to contribute to the island's environmental management. He also highlighted this as a step in the conservation of the Royal Golden Guernsey goat species, which was granted its royal title by King Charles III in July 2024.
The goats are currently grazing separately but Harford-Fox hopes to eventually graze them alongside the cattle on certain sites.