Sea views at Bournemouth's East Cliff have been significantly obscured by overgrown foliage, a consequence of the local council's initiative to use mountain goats for vegetation management instead of traditional petrol strimmers. The herd, introduced in 2019 as part of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council's climate emergency response, was intended to manage cliff-side vegetation while supporting local wildlife.
However, the goats have reportedly been unable to control the growth effectively in all areas, leading to dense bushes and gorse now blocking the once-clear views of the beach and Poole Bay from the cliff top. This has drawn criticism from local residents and visitors who feel the unkempt appearance detracts from the resort town's appeal.
Jo Keeling, from the campaign group BCP Community Action, expressed concern that the overgrown state of the cliff front could deter tourists. "We are a tourist town and rely on tourists and first impressions matter," Keeling stated, adding that a prime seafront area looking "unkempt and untidy" could negatively impact visitors.
Visitor Simon Wilson echoed these sentiments, noting that tourists staying on East Cliff are met with blocked views rather than the beach and sea, which are the primary attractions. "The reason people come to Bournemouth is the beach, why would you not want to show it off from every vantage point?" he asked.
Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, explained that vegetation management on the cliffs is carefully balanced to benefit local wildlife while maintaining access and viewpoints where possible. He noted that most vegetation cutting occurs during winter to avoid disrupting the bird nesting season and to minimize impact on visitor numbers.
"The cliffs are managed using a range of methods, including conservation grazing by goats, which help control vegetation growth and support the special habitats and wildlife found along our coastline," Hadley said.
A council spokesperson previously stated that allowing selected areas to mature supports wildlife and increases biodiversity, aligning with the council's 2019 declaration of a climate and ecological emergency. The council aims to balance the needs of residents and nature with the effective use of resources, while continuing to maintain accessible spaces for leisure activities.
