The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is the UK’s leading charity working to conserve and promote native livestock and equine breeds. Since 1973, RBST has championed the survival of rare breeds through conservation breeding, research, and practical support for farmers and land managers, helping to safeguard genetic diversity and strengthen sustainable farming systems for the future.

Native breeds are uniquely suited to a wide range of environments across the UK. Their adaptability, hardiness, and low-input needs make them well matched to regenerative agriculture, conservation grazing, and nature recovery. They also contribute to biodiversity, healthy soils, and climate resilience through their traditional grazing behaviours and ability to thrive in less intensive systems.

RBST is keen to collaborate on ADOPT projects that involve native breed livestock—both through on-farm trials and educational initiatives. We welcome opportunities to work with farmers, researchers, educators, and land managers to demonstrate how native breeds can contribute to productive, sustainable, and environmentally responsible farming systems.

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