From borrowing some exotic sheep to clear their smallholding to running a self-sufficient fleece flock has taken Sascha and Alex Docwra just four years. Now they not only keep and breed their own sheep, they supply breeding stock which is helping to establish new flocks of registered pedigree Leicester Longwools. Read more
Over recent years, an impressive number of rare breeds have made their way onto Slow Food UK’s Ark of Taste, indicating that they play an important part in food heritage and sustainability and that their products are the best of their kind. In 2020, Borerays resident on Orkney took this to another level, receiving a Slow Food Presidium Award. Read more
In 2021 the Albion Cattle Society celebrated its centenary – with good reason to celebrate. Since being added to the RBST Watchlist in 2018, demand for the breed has started to rise and, with the number of herds registering progeny increasing since then, this is a rare breed that is starting to head in the right direction. Read more
The key objective of the RBST Poultry Project is to achieve improved strains of stock and for this to be met, there must be a plan. The approach that has been agreed is based on a clan breeding system – something that may be new to many poultry breeders. Read more
The completion of a genomic characterisation study has revealed that the British Lop can be clearly defined as distinct from other native pig breeds. Read more
In just over four years and on only 10 acres, Abi and Josh Heyneke have succeeded in setting up a commercial farming operation from scratch and, at the same time, are contributing to the ongoing survival of the Welsh Harlequin, one of our rarest breeds of duck. Read more
Sarah Dusgate and Rob Havard of Phepson Angus point to a way of ensuring that native breeds are relevant in the 21st century. Read more
Old Hall Farm could provide the blueprint for anyone wanting to build a small-scale dairy business which offers something different, showcasing the quality of milk produced by our native dairy – or even dual-purpose – breeds. Read more
Covid 19 has caused many people to re-evaluate the way they live their lives. For two RBST members in Lancashire, this has resulted in an enterprise based on a combination of years of friendship and mutual support and a shared love of crafting and wool. Resulting in Mountain Croft Living Fleeces. Read more
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) has added a breeding herd of Bagots to its staff roll. The herd is used to graze the cliff at the popular seaside resort of Cromer. Read more
Recognition for RBST Cumbria members John Atkinson and Maria Benjamin Read more
Ben Thorpe’s family have farmed Lonk sheep for as long as anyone can remember. Read more
A gardener's answer on the doorstep Read more
A project run by Charles Castle Read more
Dennis Harding looks to make the most of the nutritional values of the turkey outside of the Christmas period. Read more
An extract from the Autumn 2018 Ark, as we talk to Claire Kilburn about finding her perfect equine partner, Ernie. Read more
When the two former Masterchef contenders came to gather to collaborate in a start-up business charcuterie business, their first priority was getting the breed right. Read more
Despite having no farm of her own – indeed no farming background – RBST member Katie Allen has not only found a way to bring rare breed sheep into her life, she has developed a whole new skill set to enable her to create Loopy Ewes, a business based on their fleece. Read more
Keith Siddorn is well-known in breeding circles for his expertise with Traditional Herefords. Although he has no interest in raising beef cattle, he recognised that meat sales could provide a valuable income stream for his farm and with the help of a finisher and a butcher, he has found a way to achieve this without keeping bullocks on the farm. Read more
The Eriskay Pony was bred to work. Read more
The British Lop sausage that took top honours in the pork category of #GoNative with a British banger came from a family that has been farming in the same parish in Cornwall for over 400 years and can trace its association with the breed back to at least 1860. Not surprisingly, the sausage recipe is a closely guarded secret of the Eustice family. Read more
Combined Flock Book Read more