Come meet the firefighting goats of Howth Head and their goatherd, Melissa Jeuken. The goats graze the wildfire breaks and reduce the cover of gorse and brambles, offering a more sustainable solution to managing the landscape which also benefits local biodiversity. The animal stars of the Howth Conservation Grazing project hail from Co. Mayo and belong to the heritage Old Irish Goat breed, recognised as an Irish Native Rare Breed in 2022. Serving a dual role in fire prevention and breed preservation as part of the Old Irish Goat Breeding Programme, the herd has produced the first Old Irish Goats to be born in Dublin in over 70 years.
Two sessions will take place on Wednesday, 22 May, 2024: one at 11 AM – 1 PM and another at 2 – 4 PM. Please only register for one session.
The meeting point will be at the entrance to the Red Rock Lands off Strand Road, Google Map Coordinates: 53.372927, -6.097518. If you’re driving to the event the closest area to park is along Strand Road and Shielmartin Park Road.
This is an outdoor event on uneven terrain, so it is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Please wear sensible, sturdy shoes (such as hiking boots) and dress appropriately for the weather (rain or shine) and coastal winds. Any children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. No dogs, including guide dogs, are permitted due to the presence of livestock.
This is a free event, but booking is required. Please book here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/900015609917?aff=oddtdtcreator
Questions: biodiversity@fingal.ie.
Presented by Fingal County Council as part of the Fingal Biodiversity Events Programme
