Cromer Bagot goat herd returns to graze on cliffs of Norfolk

A herd of Bagot goats has made its annual return to the town's seaside cliffs for several months of grazing on otherwise hard-to-reach vegetation. 

Their return saw a very special reunion with one long-lost member of the herd – a goat who evaded capture at the end of last year’s grazing season and has been there ever since.

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Bagot goats have been brought to the seafront cliffs by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) every summer since 2016 to control the vegetation and limit food sources available for rats.

Councillor Tim Adams, leader of NNDC, said: “We're pleased to welcome the goats back to Cromer, and to once again reunite the herd for their summer job maintaining the cliffs with their unique and sustainable conservation.

The one Bagot goat which has been on Cromer's cliffs for the past year sashays over to greet the rest of the herd (Image: NNDC)

“Crowds formed to observe the long-awaited return of our famous lawnmowers - it is always a highly anticipated event in north Norfolk for residents and visitors alike".

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Tim Adams, leader of NNDC (Image: Liberal Democrats)

The goats are usually rounded up in September and moved to other pastures - but last year one stubborn female dug her heels in and ended up staying on the cliffs all on her own throughout the winter.

Despite braving the elements throughout the winter, Mr Adams said she has been "perfectly happy" - with an NNDC vet regularly checking up on her.

However, he said if the defiant goat is caught at the end of this grazing season she would not be returning to the cliffs next year. 

He said: “They’re hardy goats in the wild and they’re perfectly happy in harsh winter environments.

“Once she does come down, though, she won’t be going back up – she’ll be a goat looking for a new home.”