Meet the goats of Varberg and Jøssingfjord

Meet the goats in Varberg and Jøssingfjord

This summer, 22 goats go to work in Magma Geopark. Their mission? To clear paths, open up the landscape and delight young and old.

The goats graze in Varberg in Egersund and Jøssingfjord in Sokndal. They all have names, such as Mandarin, Alma and Stjernå. They also each have their own personality. Some love cuddles and close contact, others are a little more cautious. Just like us humans.

The goats have become part of Magma Geopark's efforts to preserve and communicate a landscape of international value.

- "We want people to use the area, understand it and love it. That's why it's important to find solutions that both preserve nature and give people good experiences," says Ulf Tjåland, General Manager of Magma Geopark.

Hiking fun for young and old

In Varberg, the project has already produced visible results. The landscape has become more open and the hiking trails easier to use. In Jøssingfjord, it took some time for the goats to settle in, but they have now established themselves and seem to be thriving.

Goats are more than just caretakers of the landscape. They are also a social and sustainable element in the local community. Magma Geopark wants its four-legged contributors to create hiking pleasure and contribute to knowledge for kindergartens, schools, hikers and tourists. At the same time, they remind us that local nature management can be both smart and engaging.

Goat etiquette for those who want to say hello:

Don't feed the goats with food you've brought with you. Bread and snacks can make them sick and full.
Feel free to offer them a sprig of green leaves.
Move calmly and stay low when approaching.
Watch out for small children. The goats are harmless, but can get a little eager.
Leashes are compulsory in both Varberg and Jøssingfjord all year round.

Supervision from Uninor

The work integration company Uninor is the centrepiece of the project and has day-to-day responsibility for the goats. Keeping the goats provides meaningful work for the employees, and the tasks can be customised for each individual. The animals are closely monitored and looked after by people who take their responsibilities seriously.

Digital fences

The goats are equipped with No Fence technology, which makes it possible to keep them within digital grazing areas. When they approach the boundary, they hear a sound signal. They are trained to recognise the sound as a light electronic shock and back away. The system provides an overview of where the goats are and makes it easy to adjust the grazing area as needed.

Did you know this about goats?

Goats are highly effective landscapers, helping to open up paths, clear scrub and keep vegetation down.
Goats are social animals that thrive in groups and have been part of Norwegian pastures for generations.
Goat's milk is used to make cheese, among other things.
The meat is tasty and reminiscent of lamb.
The goats in Varberg and Jøssingfjord are owned by Peat Gard in Bjerkreim, which also offers its own products from goat farming. Feel free to contact them if you would like more information.

Our sponsors

The cost of the goats has been funded through the support of local businesses, and we would like to thank them for their contribution. The following companies have helped to support the project: