Fighting goats

These goats graze on the cliffs between Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers. The first of the herd were introduced in 2009 and they have expanded since. They were originally brought over from the Isle of Wight and are cared for by the local council.

Their role is to help control the non-native plants such as holm oak, garden privet and pampas grass. These plants are taking over at the expense of the natural heathland habitats, which has a negative impact on their associated wildlife, including rare reptiles, birds and insects.