There are three main reasons why we should preserve types or strains of domestic animals that are not needed by modern agriculture.

• As a living museum to enable people interested in our living heritage to come and see the types of animals our ancestors farmed.
• For research purposes, to study in detail the diversity and variation found in these old fashioned breeds.
• Most importantly to keep our options open for the future; our farming needs are constantly changing and if livestock breeders are to mould their animals to fit these changing needs, it is vital they have a pool of genetic material to fall back on.

Between 1900 and 1973 twenty-six native breeds of livestock became extinct in Britain.

Fortunately in the 1960’s a small group of pioneers launched a crusade to prevent further loses. In 1973 their vision became the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) – an organisation dedicated to the conservation of Britain’s livestock heritage. Joe Henson was Founder Chairman of the RBST, which is now a thriving organisation with over 10,000 members and has his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales as its Patron.

A comprehensive survey of native British breeds was set up by the RBST, gathering and interpreting information to produce population statistics for all endangered breeds. These are ranked according to how much they are considered to be in danger due to low numbers, geographical isolation or small numbers of closely related breeding units.

The Numerical Guide to the RBST Watchlist categories can be found on their website http://www.rbst.org.uk/watch-list/main and the relevant category is shown against each breed on our website for your reference.

Learn more about the rare breeds