UK’s Rare Breeds Survival Trust says calf numbers of white park cattle last year were less than two-thirds of 2022 level
An ancient breed of cattle whose ancestors are thought to have accompanied the Celts as they were pushed to Britain’s fringes by the Romans has been designated as urgently at risk by a UK conservation charity.
Publishing its 2026 watchlist on Tuesday, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust moved white park cattle to its “priority” category as new calf numbers sank last year to less than two-thirds of their 2022 level.
Three other native breeds of rare equine and livestock were also moved from the “at-risk” to “priority” category: original population lincoln red cattle, boreray sheep and soay sheep.
The charity is urging the government to improve support for rare native livestock and equines.
