The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is a conservation charity[2] whose purpose is to secure the continued existence and viability of the native farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) of the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1973 by Joe Henson to preserve native breeds;[1] since then, no UK-native breed has become extinct.
 | |
| Abbreviation | RBST |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1973 |
| Founder | Joe Henson[1] |
| Type | Conservation charity |
| Legal status | Registered charity |
| Purpose | Conservation of native livestock breeds of the United Kingdom |
| Location |
|
| Coordinates | 52°20′23″N 1°31′27″W / 52.3398°N 1.5243°W |
Region served | United Kingdom |
Chairman | John Atkinson |
| Website | rbst |
| Remarks | Charity no. 269442 |
It maintains a watch list of rare native breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats and poultry,[3] and an approved list of farm parks.[4]
Projects have included the collection of genetic material to ensure the future of rare breeds in a farm animal "gene bank". This project received publicity in the wake of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis in the UK and was supported by Charles III (while he was the Prince of Wales).[5] The Trust also supports the Manx Ark Project, which provides sanctuary for rare breeds at several sites in the Isle of Man.[6]
Watch list
editRBST publishes a watch list of rare and native United Kingdom breeds of domestic cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats and poultry. In 2021, RBST changed their methodology from five classifications (critical, endangered, vulnerable, at risk, minority) to a two classification system (priority, at risk).[7]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b Rita and William Vandivert (1982), "ch. 7 - Joe Henson and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust", To the Rescue: Seven Heroes of Conservation, F. Warne, p. 89, ISBN 0723262152
- ^ "Rare Breeds Survival Trust, registered charity no. 269442". Charity Commission for England and Wales.
- ^ Rare Breeds Survival Trust watch list Archived 18 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine accessed June 2016
- ^ Rare Breeds Survival Trust approved farm parks Archived 24 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine accessed February 2012
- ^ Prince's gift to rare breeds project accessed 25 May 2008
- ^ Barua, Ariane (1 May 2013). "Isle of Man in rare breeds 'Noah's Ark' plan". BBC News.
- ^ Watchlist overview RBST Watchlists "Watchlist 2024-25". Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
