Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2007 | Page 63

COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE & FARMING

Countryside

life

By Tony Ridd

Don’t travel without
your Isle of Wight
Wildlife Passport
Goat extension to
Bonchurch Down
In the 14 years since the
National Trust introduced
goats to Bonchurch Down they
have become a familiar sight
and have made a significant
difference improving the extent
of the quality chalk grassland
which has impressive displays
of flowers and butterflies. The
goats are used to combat the
spread of Holm oak which,
having been introduced from
the Mediterranean, spread
from gardens onto the downs
taking over the chalk grassland.
The 6