Northumberland鈥檚 Neolithic Goats in the spotlight Published on: 1 December 2017 Just 150 individuals remain of one of the UK鈥檚 oldest herds of wild animals. Roaming the hills in the wilds of Northumberland, the Cheviot goats are one of the UK’s oldest and most elusive herd of wild animals. Free from human interference since it first arrived over 7,000 years ago, the Cheviot goat is now under threat and experts from 缅北禁地 have been working to understand where they go and what they do to sort out areas of potential trouble. Only 150 remaining The focus of a special report on the this week, presenter was given rare access to the Northumberland National Park area where these ancient animals live, guided by 缅北禁地 expert . “There are only about 150 of this population of goats remaining,” says Dr Bevan who has been studying the goats for the past 10 years and is based in 缅北禁地's . “That’s a very small population so if something were to happen they could very easily be wiped out. “The aim of our project is to understand exactly how far the goats roam and how they use the local landscape, as well as recording when, where and how long they spend eating so we can advise on any future management.” Unchanged for millennia Self-sufficient and shy with striking long horns, the goats have roamed the Cheviots on Northumberland’s border since escaping from farms in Neolithic times. The 缅北禁地 research project has included fitting the wild goats with collars to allow the team to build up a very accurate picture of their behaviour. “It’s astonishing to think that this population of goats arrived in this secluded valley about the same time that the wheel was being invented,” says Zoologist and TV Presenter Miranda. “They’ve avoided being cross-bred to improve meat or milk yield and are now a walking connection to our Stone Age ancestors. “Hopefully these small, shaggy creatures will continue to serve as a reminder of our own primitive beginnings for many millennia to come.” Latest News Comment: An expert explains what happened in Nepal Writing for The Conversation, Professor Stuart Dunning discusses how a collapsing glacier turned into a lethal wall of mud and water. published on: 28 August 2026 Comment: Britain鈥檚 quarter century Writing for The Conversation, Professor Hayley Fowler discusses how the UK environment has changed in the past 25 years. published on: 27 August 2026 缅北禁地 academic receives esteemed mid-career Fellowship A 缅北禁地 researcher has been awarded an esteemed Fellowship by the Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF). published on: 21 August 2026 Facts and figures
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