Ecopâturage sur le Port de Dieppe EN

Brief overview

Eco-friendly pasture management is a sustainable approach to maintaining green spaces and this solution was been adopted by the Port of Dieppe in collaboration with the non-profit organisation OKOTOP.   The adventure began at the Marne quay on an area of about 14,000 m², situated on a slope that was difficult to reach and overrun with Japanese knotweed, an invasive species. Goats (known locally as “ditch goats”) were brought in and left to graze on the area. After the success of the first year, another plot of land of almost 7,000 m² was turned over for grazing in 2017, at Avenir quay at the foot of the cliff. This time a herd of Ushant sheep were used.   

Putting pressure on invasive vegetation 

The animals have now been given access to the sides of the cliffs and the high ground. They began by getting the vegetation under control which in these zones is mostly composed of grasses and woody plants. On Avenir quay the sheep corresponded perfectly to the expectations for managing this area. By only putting a few sheep out to pasture on these typical calcareous grasslands we were able to limit the pressure on the diverse vegetation found there. These experiences were encouraging and led us to renew both partnerships.