Mark My Words...

[Just One More]

... it'll end in tears

SIX goats will soon be setting up home on Bournemouth’s cliff top in an attempt to restore the natural grassland habitat.

A secure fence is currently being built on the cliff top between Honeycombe Chine and Manor Steps, ready for the arrival of the goats in April.

The goat grazing scheme will be trialled for six months but, if it is a success, it will then be extended to other areas.

It’s hoped the goats will help control invasive scrub and tree species which, if left unchecked, threaten the natural habitat.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, cabinet member for economy and tourism, said: “Following discussions and site visits with Natural England and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we decided that the ideal area to trial the grazing project is from Honeycombe Chine to Manor Steps.

“If the scheme is a success, the aim is to introduce grazing management on the majority of the cliff.

“A decision to make this type of grazing permanent will be made in consultation with local residents, beach hut owners and ward councillors.”

The scheme will be funded by Barratt Homes and managed by the council.

The idea of using goats to help clear the cliffs of invasive shrubbery was contained in the town’s seafront strategy, which was approved by the council last year.

Then seafront development officer Andrew Emery said goats were the most sustainable option and could well prove to be the most cost-effective.

“While it may seem like a wild idea, it’s something that has been proven to work elsewhere,” he said.

If Barrett Homes throw the secure fence up as quick as they throw houses up around here there could well be a job for Barman in the offing

[Nick]

If BM visits it will end in a BBQ!

[Barman]

If BM visits it will end in a BBQ!

Yumster! 

Miss D will be sampling my goat... 

[Miss Demeanour]

You wanna bet 

[Barman]

You wanna bet 

Don't you like goat? 

[Snoopy]

It works here. http://www.llandudno.com/goats.html

[Just One More]

That brought back a memory Snoopy. Went on a daytrip with a few school-mates to Llandudno back in 1973. 50p return on the train, special offer. I can remember going up the Great Orme in a train/tram, and walking back down. Even as a 14 year old I didn't fancy walking up, and to be honest, these days, I'd get the tram back down too

[Snoopy]

We usually drive up and picnic on an old WWII anti aircraft gun emplacement several times during the summer. Out of the way and not everyone knows it's there so we usually get it to ourselves. Far enough from the edge for the kids to run wild but close enough to get the views.

[grumpyoldsoldier]

It works here. http://www.llandudno.com/goats.html

3rd from the left.. I know her

[Miss Demeanour]

Is that why she has her back to you 

[Darwins Selection]

Is that why she has her back to you 

No flowers and he never called her again.

[grumpyoldsoldier]

Yes she was in a mood!

[Snoopy]

Is that why she has her back to you 

That's why they are on a cliff top.
If they are looking over the edge it makes them brace their front legs ~ or so I'm told.

[Miss Demeanour]

And you say you go to that part of the world often Snoops 

[Nick]

Why do you think he chooses to live there?