The grassland on Cheshunt Marsh provides important habitat for invertebrates, in particular grasshoppers and bush-crickets. A recent survey found over 400 different species of invertebrates including some which are nationally rare. This importance is recognised through its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Over time the grassland has become increasingly overgrown with bramble and scrub. While this can provide important habitat for some species, the grassland is now starting to be lost. In order to retain this rich mosaic of grass and scrub, specialised grazing by Old English Goats has been introduced onto the site.

Once widespread across England, the Old English Goats were nearly lost altogether due to inter-breeding with domesticated goats. The goats that graze Cheshunt Marsh come from a feral population in the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland, one of the few places that they remained pure-bred.

Goats are well adapted to eating scrub. Their narrow muzzle and flexible upper lip means they can be very selective, picking the leaves of bramble, weakening the plants and stripping the bark of bushes and trees.

The goats are checked daily by trained volunteers or staff, if you would like to become involved please contact our Volunteers team.