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Al Jazeera English1 min read
Cattle breed whose ancestors lived with Celts added to priority at-risk list
TL;DR
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust has designated white park cattle as urgently at risk due to a significant decline in calf numbers. This breed, linked to the Celts, is now prioritized alongside other rare livestock breeds.
Key points
- White park cattle are now classified as urgently at risk.
- Calf numbers dropped to less than two-thirds of 2022 levels.
- Other breeds moved to priority include lincoln red cattle, boreray sheep, and soay sheep.
- The charity calls for improved government support for rare breeds.
- The cattle's history is linked to the Celts in Britain.
Rare Breeds Survival Trustwhite park cattlelincoln red cattleboreray sheep
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.
“This isn’t just about giving public money to keep them. It’s about having the sort of environmental policies that recognise the majesty of these animals in the landscape,” said Christopher Price, the charity’s CEO.
Soay sheep have also been moved from ‘at risk’ to ‘priority’. Photograph: Jon Durrant
White park cattle are an ancient breed, different to the selectively bred commercial animals usually associated with farmed cattle. Price described them as a “semi-wild animal that was partially domesticated”.
The long-horned animal has a long history in Britain. Two thousand years ago, its ancestors are thought to have accompanied the Celts as they were pushed north and west by the Romans. They were then popular through the medieval period, but their numbers dwindled as farming became industrialised.
Winston Churchill recognised their heritage value when he sent a herd to Canada for protection during the second world war.
The charity said one reason for their decline was that there was not a great financial incentive for farmers to keep white park cattle, as many native breeds are losing recognition in favour of larger continental ones.
Nevertheless, some people still love white park cattle. Jan McCourt, who farms them at Northfield farm on the Rutland-Leicestershire border, said: “The breed can produce what I consider the ultimate product in beef, with a very fine and rarely seen type of marbling and a deep, unctuous flavour.”
Q&A
Why are white park cattle considered at risk?
White park cattle are considered at risk due to a dramatic decrease in calf numbers, which fell to less than two-thirds of their 2022 level.
What other breeds were moved to the priority category by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust?
Along with white park cattle, the original population lincoln red cattle, boreray sheep, and soay sheep were also moved to the priority category.
What is the significance of white park cattle's connection to the Celts?
White park cattle are believed to have accompanied the Celts as they migrated to Britain, highlighting their historical and cultural importance.
What actions is the Rare Breeds Survival Trust urging from the government?
The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is urging the government to enhance support for rare native livestock and equines through better environmental policies.
