The Forestry Commission is mounting a major survey to track down and conserve Kielder’s rare wild goats.

03/01/2007 00:00:00 A herd of the semi-wild animals - which may number around 75 - has roamed the remote Border fells of Kielder Forest, Northumberland, for centuries. Today they are part of the region’s rich bio-diversity. But to keep tabs on their welfare, rangers have joined forces with volunteers from Northumberland Wildlife Trust to undertake a major head count.

Each year a smaller census is carried out, but this spring 15 people armed with two-way radios will be involved, covering a greater area of moorland and forestry. The search will be undertaken around mid-April. Tom Dearnley, Forestry Commission Ecologist, said: ‘Tracking the animals can be difficult, but this time of year they will have new kids, which means they are more likely to stay putt. Most of our efforts will be centred on 10,700-acre Kielderhead, a National Nature Reserve and also one of the nation's remotest areas. The goats have few natural predators, so it’s up to us to ensure they are maintained at healthy and sustainable numbers.’

Some experts believe the goats were once farm animals that escaped into the wild, perhaps as long ago as medieval times. Others maintain they hark back much further. Whatever their origin, they have taken on the markings of feral animals, distinct from present day domestic goats.

The survey will provide a better idea of overall numbers and highlight key territories. It’s important that the population is maintained at a sustainable level, capable of surviving lean years and harsh weather, whilst minimising the animal's potentially negative impact on moorland vegetation and forestry. Previously, radio collars have been fitted to nanny goats to track their movements and feeding patterns and hair samples taken for DNA analysis. Duncan Hutt, Head of Land Management at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: ‘It’s easy to miss animals during a census so it’s possible that the actual number of goats may be a little higher than our working estimate. They have been a rich part of Border wildlife and culture for hundreds of years. Although semi-wild, there is evidence that goats were rounded up and taken to market on the Scottish side of the Border in the distant past. They are remarkable survivors.’

Northumberland has three distinct wild goat populations, which in the past may have intermingled. Besides the largest group in Kielder, other animals roam the Cheviots and Coquetdale.

Kielder Spring Wildlife Festival
As part of its week-long Kielder Spring wildlife festival (14-20 May), the Forestry Commission is staging a public trek to see the goats on Friday 18 May, setting out at 10.30am. To book places contact 01434 250209. For more information on other festival events go to www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland.