Although RBST is not actively looking to add feral populations to the Watchlist, applications are considered where populations meet certain criteria. First andT is not actively looking to add feral populations to the Watchlist, applications are considered where populations meet certain criteria. First and foremost, it must fit the definition of a native breed as defined by Defra’s UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee (UKGLE, formerly FAnGR).

In fact, the College Valley Cheviot herd was accepted by Defra as a Native Breed at Risk (NBAR) in 2010. It has a documented history going back to at least 1860, pre-dating the drive for dairy goat improvement and development of our modern breeds that began with the founding of the British Goat Society in 1879. The goats were put out in the valley to replace an earlier herd that was removed elsewhere, and has been left as a completely wild herd with no intervention other than to reduce numbers periodically.

Legend has it that the goats of the Cheviot Hills were left behind by the monks of Lindisfarne, who, alarmed by the threat of further
Viking invasion, finally abandoned the tidal island altogether in 875. Herding their livestock along with them, they moved south, taking St Cuthbert’s body to his eventual resting place in Durham, but the goats were too capricious and were left to roam in the Cheviots.

Shirley and Les Goodyer and Raymond Werner, co-founders of the British Primitive Goat Research Group, have been striving for decades to maintain the genetic integrity of the herd. While there are other feral goat populations in various pockets around the UK which may or may not have some Cheviot or authentic British Primitive goat genetics, the history and long isolation of the College Valley herd have enabled them to exist as a distinct population without introgression from modern goat breeds. In making the application for Watchlist recognition, Shirley said: “Given these factors and the fact that the herd displays all the phenotypic characteristics expected of our ancient British Primitive goat, we feel they warrant recognition and protection. The goats live a totally wild and unmanaged existence save for occasional round-ups and removals when there is any conflict with other land management practices in the area.”

A detailed annual census has been carried out since 2005. Any necessary actions are discussed by the Goat Management Group, which includes the College Valley, Yeavering and Lilburn estates over which the goats roam, Northumberland National Park, tenant farmers, the British Primitive Goat Research Group and a member of lecturing staff from Newcastle University.

From time to time, goats are moved to conservation grazing or private breeding projects around the country in an effort to maintain genetic diversity and safeguard the gene pool. However, relocated goats remain subject to the annual census to enable them to be included on the NBAR register. Shirley says: “The herd constitutes one of the best known and oldest remaining examples of the British Primitive goat, the original landrace breed of our islands, so protecting the purity of the breed is essential. Only goats obtained from the parent wild herd or their direct pure-bred descendants will be allowed onto the register. There can be absolutely no introduction of goats from other feral herds or modern goat genetics for grading-up purposes – modern genetics will wreck the original.”

A hardy goat, the Cheviot has a thick coat with a heavy amount of cashmere, and strong hard hooves, making it suitable for conservation grazing in a variety of habitats on a wide range of forage types. Grey or grey goats with white patterning are typically associated with the College Valley Cheviot herd, although dark brown/black and dark pied goats are also found.

Reacting to the news of the Watchlist inclusion, Shirley said: “This means so much to us as we have been working with these goats for several decades. Getting on to the NBAR list gave us a boost, but RBST recognition will make a tremendous difference to the way in which other people perceive and value the goats. It underlines their genetic importance, historic and cultural value, and will add to the tourism potential of the estates where they live. Whether or not the story of the Lindisfarne monks is true, the herd can be seen from St Cuthbert’s Way and the site provides easy opportunities for the public to see truly wild goats in an iconic landscape.”