Goat Life – an update
Our pair of resident bramble eaters continue their mission to reclaim some of the Lichfield Road slopes of St Anne’s Wood from the overgrown undergrowth. The vision is to carefully open up the space (as it was some years ago) making it safer and more welcoming for people. Along the way we’re hoping to find new ecological opportunities too. Wildflower Meadow planting and high value (and low density) shrub planting are both on the list.
They’re incredibly hardworking and intelligent animals – and they’ve become a huge hit with local families – many visiting daily. It’s no easy life for FoBB though. A dedicated rota of volunteers visits daily checking on the goat’s welfare, their water levels, applying flea treatment, helping them access the deeper trunkier and taller stems of brambles and attending to the upkeep of the fence that keeps them safe. Thanks to Cristina, Diana, Emma, Giorgia, Ellen, Jackie, Justine, Nadia and Sara for their dedication and to Emma for co-ordinating.
Including the allotment they’re now on their fourth enclosure (another mammoth volunteer undertaking, this time Gary taking the lead Fence Master) and we’re hoping they’ll finish this last push soon because already the Himalayan Balsam’s distinctive three-leaved shape is appearing in both woods and we’re hoping our four-legged helpers will prove equally effective in that battle.
James
Secretary & Tree Officer
