The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) have responded to the DEFRA consultation on Conservation Covenants emphasising the importance of including the conservation of native livestock breeds within their scope. 

Many conservation worthy living assets, such as ancient woodlands, traditional orchards and native livestock breeds, need a physical place in which they can be protected long term.  Conservation covenants are a means of delivering this. 

Christopher Price, RBST CEO said: “With native livestock the need is for a range of different habitats, in different locations, so that the breeds can grow in number in a way that ensures a sufficient degree of genetic diversity to provide a sustainable future.

“Simply relying on the goodwill of individual landowners providing parcels of land for various periods of time is not enough to achieve this.  If we are to turn around the fortunes of our native breeds, we need to dedicate a range of sites available over the long term. 

He went on to add: “Conservation Covenants are a way of achieving that. If people thinking of conserving important examples of native breeds can be sure that appropriate habitats will be available to sustain them, they will have greater confidence in going ahead.”