North York Moors Roman Trail Protected by Vigilant Goats

A group of Royal Golden Guernsey goats has been brought in to safeguard a newly established illustrated trail in the North York Moors.

The one-mile (1.6km) trail surrounds Cawthorn Roman Camps, an ancient Roman military site with intricate earthworks dating back 2,000 years.

Visitors walking along the trail will encounter information boards and artwork offering insights into life within the network of forts and camps.

Conservation officer Jacob Lawson explained that the goats, acting as "conservation grazers," are tasked with consuming invasive scrub, brambles, and bracken that threaten the site's archaeology.

The goats, sourced from Mossy Oaks at Castle Howard, are specialists in tailored habitat management duties.

The North York Moors National Park Authority revealed that Roman legions from York ventured north to conquer the region by subduing local tribes, establishing a network of camps and forts linked by military roads.

The Edge of Empire trail aims to depict the experiences of Roman soldiers stationed at Cawthorn and their interactions with the Parisi and Brigantes tribes inhabiting the area.

Miles Johnson, head of historic environment, described Cawthorn as a remarkable example of Roman military strategy nestled in the tranquility of the North York Moors.

The site comprises a series of earthworks, including two forts and a temporary camp with a unique layout, indicating a strategic role in controlling local tribes and aiding in the construction of military roads.

The newly established trail allows visitors to envision the Roman history of the area in a meaningful and inclusive manner, with accessibility for all, including wheelchair users and all-terrain buggies.

Signs will be displayed along the trail requesting dog owners to leash their pets and reminding them that livestock disturbance is a punishable offense.