Diary of a Bilberry Goat Welfare officer

10/5/2021

Diary of a Bilberry Goat Welfare officer

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Christmas Day 1997

It was Christmas Day and the weather throughout that week was extremely bad. Hurricane winds and incessant heavy rain. Winds up to 100mph. I could not get to Bilberry Rock to feed the goats all week.

On Christmas Day the winds were still very high but the rain had abated a little. I knew I had to make an attempt to bring feed to the goats, as I could not sit down to Christmas dinner with the thought of those poor animals starving on the Rock.

My thoughts were with the nannies/doe's who were due to kid at any moment. My heart went out to them. The urge to help them was strong. Emotion probably overruled my head regarding safety. My family were totally against it and I got a berating from them.
I packed three large bags with hay and set off towards the Rock. The winds tearing at the bags, trying to pull them from my grip. It was a struggle just walking and keeping upright. I prayed with every step that I took for protection. A five minute walk turned into a twenty five minute journey, as the winds came against me and I could not catch my breath.

Finally, I got to the Rock, the high pylons rattling as the winds screamed through them and I hung on to the chainlink fencing surrounding the electricity compound, for dear life. I looked down at the river, it was fast flowing, grey and angry looking. There was no sign of the goats. Panic set in. I had come so far and I could not turn back now. I had to find them or at least let them know I was there. I called out with as much force as I could muster. Then, one by one, they appeared over the Brewery wall. They ran towards me bleating. They were starving and seemed to be so glad to see feed. They gathered around me as I dispersed the hay by pushing it into the gorse bushes and chainlink fencing, while crawling on my knees. It was rough and I was terrified of being blown off the cliff.

I stayed for a moment to watch them feed. My focus was drawn to the scrawny animals before me, with the heavy clumps of hair clinging to the sides of their coats (which is a sign of bad nutrition). They were wet and cold and in need of care and attention.
I gave a sigh of relief as I made my way home. At least I showed them that someone did care.

11 Comments

Isabel Copeland-Eccles

22/7/2021 15:39:17

Looking forward to the next update on your blog!

Orla

22/7/2021 16:08:40

Thank you. O

RÓISÍN

8/9/2021 12:13:54

As of August 2021 how many Bilberry Goats remain? They are such beautiful and distinctive looking animals.Thanks, Róisín.

Orla, Admin. link

12/9/2021 13:46:46

Hi Roisin, thank you for your comment.

There are not too many there at moment but the Trust are ready and willing to work with the authorities and the people of Waterford to rectify this situation, with a permanent Habitat in place, of course. Please support the Trust's call for Protection Status for the Bilberry Goats.

Sewa Mobil Surabaya link

5/8/2024 09:34:38

fantastic post, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should proceed your writing. I’m confident, you have a great readers’ base already!

Orla, Admin/W. Officer link

5/8/2024 14:14:40

Thank you Sewa, for your generous comment

Just to say all my Diary entries come from the heart. The experience, not to mention the inspiration I received from caring for these specific family (herd) of animals was incredible. I reached out to them in their time of need and they gave me so much back. The tears are flowing as I write this.

Thank you again for your kind comments. Orla

Róisín Walpole

5/8/2024 14:59:38

Are they still at the same location? Or has a different safter Habitat been found for them so they can have enough food, shelter, etc? Did the Trust get Protected Status for the Bilberry goats?

6/8/2024 01:00:14

Hi Roisin, thank you for your interest.

The animals are still there but the habitat is not the best.
Considering their range used to be 2miles upriver to the old Red Iron Bridge, (an old railway bridge, which is still there) and beyond.

Protection Status: No, protection status has not been achieved yet. Orla

12/8/2024 04:59:50

You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

20/8/2024 05:09:51

My brother recommended I would possibly like this blog. He was totally right. This submit actually made my day. You can not imagine just how so much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

Orla Foley link

20/8/2024 14:09:47

Hi Sewa,

Thank you again for your kind comments and I am glad that it 'made your day'. That is good to know.

Regards to you,

Orla.
Admin., Welfare Officer
BGHT

dIARY OF A BILBERRY GOAT WELFARE OFFICER

Diary of a Bilberry Goat Welfare officer

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