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  • getting-started
  1. Keeping rare breeds
  2. Getting started

Getting started

When considering whether rare and native breeds of livestock are suitable there are many elements to consider, these vary across species. If you are looking for advice then you are able to contact your local field officer.

If you have land or are looking to acquire some land there are a number of basic things to consider:

  • Fencing
  • Water Supply
  • Access
  • Neighbouring Livestock
  • Shelter
  • Soil Type (if the ground is heavy clay then it would make it more difficult to graze the land during the winter)
  • Former use of the land
  • Disease Risk (e.g. TB is more of a problem in some areas)
Ducks in your garden

Ducks in your garden

Considering keeping ducks? Read more

Published: 5th May, 2021

Author: Tom Blunt

Could you keep cattle?

Could you keep cattle?

Is keeping native cattle something you are considering? There are many elements to consider. Read more

Published: 5th May, 2021

Author: Tom Blunt

Beginners Guide to Showing Poultry

Beginners Guide to Showing Poultry

Tim Daniels of Poultrykeeper.com gives us his expert opinion of the do's and don'ts when starting out showing poultry Read more

Published: 25th June, 2020

Author: Anonymised User

Goats

Goats

All the information you will need to start your journey with goats Read more

Published: 25th June, 2020

Author: Anonymised User

A Beginners Guide to Showing

A Beginners Guide to Showing

An RBST and National Federation Young Farmers Clubs guide to showing native and rare breeds Read more

Published: 12th February, 2020

Author: Anonymised User

Rare Breed Chickens

Rare Breed Chickens

All the information you need to kickstart your journey Read more

Published: 9th December, 2019

Updated: 23rd March, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

Turkeys

Turkeys

Turkeys are fantastic birds with our native breeds now in very low numbers. We work closely with the Turkey Club UK to promote these breeds. Read more

Published: 9th February, 2018

Updated: 25th June, 2020

Author: Tom Blunt

What is Pedigree and Registered?

What is Pedigree and Registered?

The RBST look at the numbers of registered animals, these are with the relevant breed society. Read more

Published: 8th February, 2018

Updated: 23rd April, 2018

Author: Tom Blunt

Rules and regulations

Rules and regulations

How to get started with livestock. The rules and regulations required for keeping farm livestock vary across species and can be different depending on your location. Read more

Published: 11th September, 2017

Updated: 8th February, 2018

Author:

Species and Breed Selection

Species and Breed Selection

Once you have made the decision to purchase livestock it can be a tough decision when deciding what species and breed to select. Read more

Published: 11th September, 2017

Updated: 9th February, 2018

Author:

Dr Andy Dell's RBST Equine Seminar presentation

Dr Andy Dell's RBST Equine Seminar presentation

Read more

Published: 1st September, 2001

Updated: 5th May, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

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Showing 10 of 11

Latest

  • RBST Articles of Association

    RBST Articles of Association

  • RBST Scotland Awards Winners

    RBST Scotland Awards Winners

    Winners of RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards Announced

  • Applications open to use rams out of Ovine Semen Archive

    Applications open to use rams out of Ovine Semen Archive

  • Norfolk Horn Shearlings - Stratford Upon Avon

    Norfolk Horn Shearlings - Stratford Upon Avon

    27th June 2022

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  • Watchlist overview

    Watchlist overview

    Find out more about the RBST Watchlist

  • Combined Flock Book

    Combined Flock Book

    Combined Flock Book

  • Find local producers

    Find local producers

    Find local native breed products near you!

  • Conservation Grazing

    Conservation Grazing

    Click here to find out more about Conservation Grazing?

  • Turkeys

    Turkeys

    Turkeys are fantastic birds with our native breeds now in very low numbers. We work closely with the Turkey Club UK to promote these breeds.

  • Our Mission

    Our Mission

    Securing the future of our rare and native breeds of livestock

  • Soay

    Soay

  • Become a member

    Become a member

    Our work would not be possible without our dedicated members.

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    Volunteer for us

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Rare Breeds Survival Trust is a company limited by guarantee registered in England under number 1204694 and registered as a Charity number 269442

Registered Office: Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG