Our Islands are known for their unique wildlife and local produce. One of the most iconic breeds is the Golden Guernsey Goat, which has existed on our Islands for hundreds of years.
This week, the Golden Guernsey Goats are being granted a Royal title during the visit from King Charles and Queen Camilla. They will be formally known henceforth as the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat.
Here’s everything you need to know about this special goat and Royal honour.
What does the Royal title mean?
During the visit of the King and Queen, the Golden Guernsey Goat will be given a protected title. It is the first time in recent history that the protected title has been granted to a livestock breed. The title will apply to all Golden Guernseys on our Islands and elsewhere around the world.
Royal titles are granted sparingly, on the advice of the Cabinet Office with strict standards applied, so this is a real honour.
The conferring of this title will officially take place during Their Majesties' visit to Guernsey when an engraved brass goat bell on a collar will be placed around the neck of Summerville Tamsin, an eight-year-old female Golden Guernsey Goat.
What is the Golden Guernsey Goat?
The Golden Guernsey Goat is a specific dairy breed of goat commonly found on our Islands.
With its golden skin and hair, it has a unique lighter appearance, as well as long hair and sometimes a small white marking on the head. According to Le Douit Beuval Herd, “they are a fine-boned animal with a straight or slightly dished facial line; the ears have a slight upturn at the tip and the neck is slender. It is a fairly small goat, with adult males weighing 190-200lbs and adult females 120-130lbs.”
These goats have a friendly demeanour and also create a steady milk yield - making them popular dairy goats and homestead pets.
What is the history of the Golden Guernsey Goat?
The Golden Guernsey Goats have been on our Islands for at least two hundred years, “the first reference was in a guidebook in 1826 where the golden cow, goat and donkey were all mentioned.” (Le Douit). One hundred years ago, a Guernsey woman named Miriam Milbourne rediscovered golden goats among the scrub herds in the Island and later began to keep them. Registration of the animals began in The Guernsey Goat Society’s general herd book in 1922.
During the Occupation in WW2, Miriam went to great lengths to keep her goats safe, hiding them indoors to ensure they weren’t taken and slaughtered by German Forces. She then began a breeding programme in the 1950s, and after her death, her animals passed into the care of a trust.
In the 1960s The Guernsey Goat Society opened a special section of their herd book for the Golden Guernsey, as they were breeding true to type, and in the 1970s a new Golden Guernsey Goat Association was started. It still exists today as the Golden Guernsey Breed Society.
Where can you find the goats on Guernsey?
The Goat Farm in St Peters is one of the best places to visit to meet the Golden Guernsey Goats. You can watch them play and even feed the goats! There is also a farm shop with a variety of homemade products.
What Golden Guernsey Goats are available on Island?
On our Islands, local produce is at the heart of menus in cafes and restaurants. Look out for the Guernsey Mark when you visit to see if you can spot any Guernsey Goat products.
Some of the products you can find and pick up include:
- Full cream goat milk
- Goat yoghurt
- Soft plain goats cheese
- Creamed goats cheese
- Fetal in olive oil with herbs
- ‘Chilli Billi’ soft goats cheese
- Girard Goat cheese - a hard cheese from Le Douit Beuval Herd.
- Soap
Sources:
Image credit: Guernsey Golden Goat Farm
