I would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves – Dawn Hart and Richard White.

We have a farm in Carmarthenshire, as you may know, the small so-called farms of today are struggling to make ends meet and we are constantly looking for diversifying farming methods or introducing more cost-effective ways of doing things around the farm. One of our biggest expenses is the maintenance of land and fields etc from the constant growth or overgrowth of common weeds like dandelion, dock, brambles, nettles, and in some cases Japanese knotweed. The overgrowth of weeds causes good fertile land to diminish in size and eventually lost to the weeds, becomes unsightly and difficult to maintain both property destruction and having an effect on the natural growth of the flora and fauna.

So recently we introduced our goats to help clear these areas up around the farm. We are aware this is not a new concept but just never got around to doing it having spent time reading up on the uses of goats what we did come across was the effectiveness of using goats and the cost savings compared to manpower and machines. The goats were also accepted more among people within the communities and it was also a feel-good experience with interaction between people and the goats, giving you a happier community.

Having lived in Wales we are aware of the massive problem of Japanese knotweed within the council, we read more into Japanese knotweed and goats and found the Bournemouth Council had introduced the goat program to help clear cliff sides of invasive weeds with great effect. I discussed this with the countryside and conservation manager, Stuart Clark he was extremely positive and would be happy to discuss the program benefits and results, he was very supportive of the program we want to offer all Councils in Wales this service to help with our knotweed problems.

We also feel that this could be a great opportunity to help with the clearing and maintenance of the council’s cemeteries, private properties, and government land – parks, etc again as this is more accepted in the communities than a man with a machine.

we started trying to find goats for hire just out of curiosity. To my surprise almost zero in the UK. However, in the USA this is a popular and very successful business the use of goats for clearing weeds and brush and the savings compared to man and machinery, studies have shown up to 50% saving in comparison.

The reason why goats are more beneficial compared to sheep or cattle is simple, sheep and cattle are grazers whereas a goat is a browser attacking the weeds from eye level and up first then eating their way at the leaves, petiole, and stem destroying the plant from the top to the base, breaking down photosynthesis from the beginning of browsing weakening the plant. Goats CANNOT spread the plant through its droppings. While its digestive capabilities allow it to eat poisonous plants where others cannot. Another positive behind the use of goats compared to man and machine, goats don’t take sick or maternity leave, they don’t require a pension or holiday pay they are happy to work seven days a week 365 days a year doing the job they love.

There is a lot of information and links we can provide if required. It would be a great pleasure to meet you to discuss this matter and see how we can assist you on this project in trying to save Wales an eco-friendly way.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this.