ADORABLE goats which have been helping wildflowers to bloom are set to remain after overwhelming success.

The herd of wild Cheviot goats with huge horns and gorgeous marbled coats were drafted in by Basildon Council to help manage Wat Tyler Heights back in 2022.

Since their introduction they have been joined by cattle brought over from the South Essex Marshes.

Their arrival has improved the biodiversity of the site including a “huge increase in flora diversity”.

An agreement has now been reached by Basildon Council for the grazing animals to remain at Wat Tyler Country Park until December 31.

The council has also struck a deal for 15 cattle to be grazed at Mill Meadows in Billericay until the end of the year.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “In 2022, Basildon welcomed Cheviot goats to Wat Tyler Heights.

“Every year they are joined by the cattle (closed to public) in South Essex Marshes to support the management of the meadows.

“They are used for grazing, meaning we can manage the land in an eco-friendly way without machinery, and allow for a variety of wildflowers and diverse habitats to form.

“Since their introduction, the goats and cattle have done a great job munching the scrub and suppressing its regrowth, forming a mosaic of habitats across the site.

“There has been a huge increase in flora diversity, improving the biodiversity of the site.”

The Wat Tyler Park grazing agreement will cost the council £9,500 per annum while the Mill Meadows deal will cost £8,000.

However, the council say they will apply to Natural England for reimbursement of this expenditure as part of the annual application to the Rural Payments Agency.

The contract adds: “We will continue to enhance our parks and open spaces to improve the quality of life of all our residents.

“This also supports the delivery of the council’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan through the improvement of the management of lowland meadows.”