In 1992, after trying cattle grazing and fighting a losing battle against scrub and especially Holm Oak encroachment, the National Trust introduced feral goats (7 Nannies and 2 Billies). The population now is kept at 20 – 25 adults with surplus removed at the annual muster (where the animals are given a health check).
Vegetation changes
Detailed mapping and monitoring of the vegetation has revealed:
· A decrease in the proportion of woodland from 1992 and a corresponding increase in bare ground (this is partly due to small scale erosion in and around Goats favoured camping grounds at top of slopes)
· A decrease in tall grassland and an increase in short turf (Goat and Rabbit grazing / browsing)
· A shift from young scrub to short turf and tall scrub
· Woody species declined generally Why?
· Goats are predominantly browsers, though will graze
· They bark strip
