The historic Blaenavon Ironworks is preparing to welcome 18 four-legged friends to manage its surrounding green spaces.

Now, the Bagot goats will be introduced to the ancient landscape as a natural way of managing the vegetation in the area to prevent it overwhelming the industrial scenery.

Goats naturally prefer fibrous plants such as brambles, bracken and hawthorns which other livestock, like sheep, tend to avoid. It is these eating habits which will provide an eco-friendly and sustainable method of keeping the sprawl at bay.

“Blaenavon Ironworks is a place where history and landscape are inseparable, and this initiative reflects that perfectly,” said Kate Roberts, CEO of Cadw.

“Bagot goats have been part of the Welsh countryside for generations and now they'll help us care for this remarkable landscape in a way that's sensitive to its character, better for wildlife, and kinder to the environment - and we hope visitors will enjoy seeing them as part of the site's story."

The site is managed by Cadw and sits at the foot of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, which is why the organisation sees this as a step forward in supporting its sustainability goals.

Unlike machinery, goats require no fuel of chemicals, produce minimal waste and help reduce the carbon footprint associated with more traditional maintenance. They will also be fitted with monitoring devices including virtual fencing collars and 4G solar-powered cameras.

Existing local wildlife will also start to see benefits from the introduction of the goats as they eat away at the dominant greenery. This means light will be able to reach the ground level more easily and encourages wildflowers, grasses and bugs to flourish.

The uneven clearance also boasts a variety that is far more beneficial for pollinators and other wildlife. The mammals will be provided and managed by the company, Grazing Management Ltd, which is a specialist company focused on ecological solutions for challenging sites.

“Blaenavon was a site of innovation and it’s a privilege to bring some new innovations to help preserve this historic site,” said Alex from Grazing Management Ltd.