North Ronaldsay sheep are confined to the rocky shore and survive by eating seaweed

Britain has a uniquely rich heritage of native farm animals - in this small country there are over 60 breeds of sheep alone, though many more have died out.  These breeds are inseparable from their environment and from the people who manage them. Over many centuries they have developed special traits such as disease resistance and the ability to survive extreme conditions. They produce food of the highest quality and are integral to the British landscape, one of the most varied and beautiful in the world. These breeds, and the genetic diversity they encompass, are among the most valuable assets our country holds, yet they have no legal protection.  It would come as a surprise to many that Hereford cattle, once an archetypal symbol of the English farm, are now deemed to be at risk of extinction.

Modern farming relies on a very narrow range of breeds which have been selected almost exclusively for high production. Other traits like thriftiness – being able to thrive without expensive food and intensive management – seem long forgotten.  But the number of animals registered every year only tells part of the story.  That our native breeds have survived at all is down to a small number of remarkable people – traditional farmers and enthusiasts who refused to become followers of fashion and remained committed to their way of life. Sadly many of these people now seem as much of a dying breed as the animals they care for.  Even some of our numerically stronger breeds are potentially at risk because the communities keeping them are under threat.  

If you keep native breed livestock or horses I would love to hear from you.  Get in touch and tell me about you and your animals.  How did you become involved with the breed? What are your hopes and concerns for the future?  How is the breed important in your local landscape and culture?

Swaledale trio (pastel)