We are very pleased to report that the Ancient Cattle of Wales breed has been accepted onto the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Watchlist. It is in the Priority category, meaning that that it is in urgent need of support to ensure its survival.
The RBST works to conserve and promote the UK’s native livestock and equine breeds through a wide variety of actions including their annual Watchlist of Priority, At Risk and Other Native breeds, their UK National Livestock Gene Bank, conservation grazing training course, campaigning and policy work. We very much look forward to working with RBST to secure ACW’s future.
This is the result of decades of hard work by our breeders and members, going back to the early days of the Society’s establishment – and, before that, to those farmers who kept these herds in remote hill farms. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to them all.
RBST recognition comes only months after the Society became a registered charity. Both of these developments should help us to find more support and resources in our work to protect our wonderful cattle. As our members already know, ACW animals have much to offer farmers who want hardy cattle producing delicious meat from less-favoured grassland. This is in addition to keeping alive a special link with Wales’ culture and history. As we consider how we can make best use of the opportunities that RBST recognition and charitable status offer, we look forward to continuing to promote the many benefits of this historic breed that answers the current needs for low-input animals.