We’ve become the only Welsh Farm Park to gain Rare Breed Survival Trust approval!

We’re delighted to have been approved by the Rare Breed Survival Trust for efforts and contribution to conserving rare breeds of livestock.

The Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) is a national charity working across the UK to safeguard the future of rare and native livestock and equine breeds. It aims to reverse the decline of all livestock breeds listed on their watchlist and to have all the breeds on the watchlist in a stable position by 2028.

The RBST Watchlist is the result of an annual census to determine the population and viability of each native breed and is categorised into priority and at-risk breeds, giving farms guidelines on which breeds need some extra help.

The Exmoor pony is classed as a priority breed

Our farm currently houses eight priority breeds such as the Exmoor pony and ten at risk breeds including the Saddleback pig. We also house many rare and traditional Welsh breeds such as Welsh harlequin ducks, Welsh pigs, Balwen sheep and the charismatic badger faced sheep.

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price said:

“Folly Farm provides a really educational and enjoyable visitor attraction at the same time as carrying out crucial work to support the survival of some of the UK’s rarest breeds of farm animals. It showcases some fantastic breeds which were bred over centuries to thrive in our landscape. I am thrilled to welcome Folly Farm Park to the network of RBST-accredited farm parks and I look forward to working with their team.”

Farm manager Jane said:

“We’ve always been committed to supporting endangered species across our zoo collection, so we’re delighted that the farm is able to do the same to help preserve a variety of rare breeds, including many native Welsh breeds. It’s wonderful to be able to showcase these breeds, educate our guests and demonstrate what these rare breeds could now be used for in a modern ever-changing world.”

The Torwen Sheep is a Native Breed

Fellow Farm Manager Kim agrees:

“We’re delighted to be the only farm park in Wales to be approved by the RBST and hope we can work collectively with other farm parks to provide a positive contribution to the preservation of rare breeds of livestock and equines.”

Conservation Officer Jack Gradidge

Conservation Officer Jack enthused:

“We already support several conservation charities that do amazing work on the front line in order to help save animals and habitats in the wild, and we’re delighted to add the Rare Breed Survival Trust as another partner going forward. Thanks to sales of our animal adoption packs and on-park donations, we’re able to make donations to these amazing organisations and continue conservation efforts”.

Bagot Bridge in the newly developed farm

You may have noticed that we’ve invested heavily into developing the farm paddocks in recent months, which are now more easily accessible to guests exploring this area of the park. Guests can still enjoy the popular barn, Land Train tractor ride and piggery but can now also explore various animal paddocks on-foot with new pathways now available as well as lots of fun theming including Rabbit Ranch, Turkey Town, Duck Den, Chicken City and Bagot Bridge.

On Wednesday 22^nd February, we’ll be holding the first of our brand new Conservation Awareness Days. Farm Day will celebrate the world of farming and provide guests with a chance to discover more about farming and rare breeds through various demonstrations and activities. We’ll be highlighting the work of the RBST and of course we’ll be aiming to raise vital funds for our new conservation partner. We hope to see you then!