Leeds City Council introduces the 'goat' of lawnmowers to Roundhay grassland

Leeds City Council has introduced a herd of goats to the grassland on Asket Hill to protect and encourage biodiversity of the area.

By grazing on the land, the goats will control shrubs and brambles in a natural way and maintain the field which can be difficult to access due to the steep terrain.

By grazing on the land, the goats will control shrubs and brambles in a natural way and maintain the field which can be difficult to access due to the steep terrain.

The rare breed Royal Golden Guernsey goats, supplied by Castle Howard-based Mossy Oaks, can live outdoors all year round in harsh environments, making them perfect for maintaining and improving habitats for wildlife.

Asket Hill is a local wildlife site recognised for its species-rich lowland meadow, which is a threatened type of habitat.

These special habitats support a wide variety of wildflowers and insects, providing an important food source for birds and bats, which will be protected through letting goats graze the field rather than using machinery.

Species-rich grasslands have declined by 97% over the last 50 years, and losses are still continuing.

Conservation grazing with goats mimics the ecological role that would have been held by wild herbivores historically found in the area.

Currently running as a pilot scheme, the plan is for the goats to return each year.