East Suffolk Services Supports Heathland Conservation Project

East Suffolk Services is supporting efforts to protect and restore sensitive heathland habitats through conservation grazing, with a herd of goats helping to manage vegetation at a key East Suffolk site. 

Two herds of Cheviot goats have been introduced to the site at Sutton Heath until the end of September to manage vegetation through controlled, low-impact grazing. Following a successful trial managed by our countryside team, 10 billy goats aged between 3 and 10 years old are now working to naturally clear invasive scrub and woody plants. This sustainable method replaces heavy machinery and chemical herbicides, protecting vulnerable ground-nesting birds and preserving the delicate landscape for the local community. 

To ensure both the welfare of the animals and the safety of the site, our countryside team has implemented a modern livestock management system. The goats are fitted with GPS collars to keep them within targeted grazing zones, supported by traditional backup fencing. Staff and local volunteers completed specialised goat husbandry training with Legacy Grazing who supplied the British breed and are conducting daily welfare checks throughout the summer. 

Michael Ryder, Countryside Officer at East Suffolk Services Ltd, said: 

“Our team is delighted to bring the goats back to Sutton Heath for another season. They play a vital role in managing this rare habitat naturally, making light work of invasive scrub to keep the heathland open and thriving for residents and wildlife alike. While the herds are hard at work, we kindly ask dog owners visiting the heath to keep dogs on leads, stick to the main paths, give the goats space, and always bag and bin dog waste to protect animal health.” 

Cllr Sally Noble, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for the Environment, added: 

“It is wonderful to see East Suffolk Services leading this initiative on the heathland. The goats are an essential part of our shared low-impact management strategy, minimising disturbance to local wildlife. Joining the East Suffolk Services countryside team and volunteers for goat maintenance training earlier this summer was a fantastic experience, ensuring we all have the practical skills needed to support high animal welfare standards on site.” 

Protecting Rare Wildlife Across Sutton Heath 

Our low-impact grazing program on Sutton Heath protects high-priority species by maintaining healthy lowland heathland, a rare habitat protected under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.  

The targeted grazing regime creates vital sanctuary for rare ground-nesting birds across the internationally important Sandlings Special Protection Area, including the secretive Woodlark and the elusive Nightjar. Because these birds nest directly on the ground, they are exceptionally vulnerable to trampling and human disturbance during their breeding season from the 1st of March to the 31st of August. 

By keeping heavy machinery off the site, conservation grazing also directly supports the rare Silver-studded Blue butterfly. The species relies on a mosaic landscape where the caterpillars feed on short young vegetation like heather and gorse, while adult butterflies roost in mature grasses and feed on nectar. The butterfly also maintains a remarkable mutualistic relationship with local black ants. Female butterflies lay eggs near active ant nests, where the hatched caterpillars secrete a sugary liquid for the ants in exchange for protection from predators. The ants even escort the caterpillars to feed at night and guard them inside their nests until they emerge as adult butterflies. Because these butterflies rarely travel more than 50 metres from their natal nest, our careful habitat management ensures these delicate colonies remain intact. 

Through innovative land management and community engagement we deliver direct environmental benefits across East Suffolk to keep our countryside rich in biodiversity and welcoming for everyone.