Last goats living on UK coastal site culled by National Trust

The last four goats living on an English beauty spot have reportedly been culled by the National Trust.

The goats, regularly seen scaling the dramatic cliffs in Brean Down in Somerset, were put down due to poor health including tuberculosis (TB), the charity said.

The site is a small peninsula jutting out into the Bristol Channel that features an abandoned fort built to defend the country against a possible Napoleonic invasion. Today, it is popular with walkers for views across the surrounding area, including the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare.

It had also been known for its small population of wild goats that grazed on the rocky terrain.

However, National Trust South West, which owns the site, said a “difficult decision” had been taken to cull the goats after health concerns led to tests showing the animals had TB.

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A spokesperson told The Independent the charity only undertook wildlife management “when absolutely essential”.

The spokesperson said: “The number of goats on Brean Down has dwindled in recent years to only four goats.

“This raised significant welfare issues including poor health as a result of the restricted gene pool. Tests confirmed they were also carrying TB. Unfortunately, the goats have had to be culled.

“We are passionate about caring for special places and the wildlife that lives there, but occasionally have to make difficult decisions.

“Our approach is guided by the requirement for control interventions to be humane and informed by evidence.”

Locals had become increasingly concerned about the welfare of the goats in recent years after some had fallen to their deaths from the cliffside. Some had demanded the animal charity RSPCA take action to rehome them after reports they were unwell.

It is not unusual for the National Trust to take action in a bid to protect other animals. Four years ago, at Dyrham Park in South Gloucestershire, the charity put down a herd of deer after an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

However, as part of a nationwide strategy by the government to reduce the spread of bTB in cattle, the charity has not allowed the culling of badgers on its land.