[madchickenlady]

Looking at possibly clearing a plot of overgrown land, (a lot of brambles) would a goat help and what are the legal requirements? Also, is there a particular breed of goat that would be best, as you have probably gathered this is not something I have done before, only keeping chickens and ducks at present.
Thanks all

[jinglejoys]

Depends on whats going to happen to the goat AFTER its done its job
You will need good goatproof fencing, shelter, access to water, and a holding number to begin with

[tizaala]

Defra & Animal Health dpt for your holding number and flock no before you get a goat. Walk your perimeter fence to spot any weak points , you might be surprised by a goats ability to jump a 5ft fence from a standing jump, they are experts at opening gates and doors and escaping. I would be inclined towards finding your nearest goat keeper and spending some time learning about them. This time of year things will be dying off anyway so no food value in dead vegetation, they cannot live off fresh air alone, so nothing for them to brouse off just means they will go off to find food elsewhere. They will need adequate warm, dry shelter , and a ready supply of hay and water, and as already pointed out what will you do when they run out of stuff to browse off ? . do you want to keep milkers or just a couple of castrated billys for the freezer at a later date. Feet have to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks, worming and normal preventive programs for their health and well being, There is a lot more to it than just buying any old goat from Preloved.

[madchickenlady]

I do like to do my homework and would not take on any animal without checking out all it entails so any advice is very welcome, thank you

[Anke]

If you are just after clearing land - a couple of pigs will do the job for you much better than a goat and are not such a long-term commitment. Pigs will dig out the roots, whereas goats juts eat the stuff above ground - so it will regrow easily if not kept permanently with goats.
Also goats are browsers - so will prefer tree branches and bushes to grass. They do love brambles though.
But as others said - if you want to become a goatkeeper (regardless of land needing cleared) and have an outlet for goat products (milk or meat, probably for your own consumption), then go and look for your nearest goatkeeper's group and visit people and learn that way.
You will also need at least two goats, three actually makes a more balanced group.
Your local library should have some goatkeeping books, not much has changed in the last 20 years with regard to keeping and handling goats, so even the not-yet antiquarian but a bit older books are useful.

[Ina]

Get both goats and pigs  - cut the brambles for the goats and throw them over the fence for them to eat, and keep the pigs in the plot with the brambles to dig out the roots...

[madchickenlady]

Thanks all, unfortunately the 'promised land' is no longer on the table so will have to look out for another plot locally. Thanks for your advice though, most helpful.