Latest News | 27 April 2021
Chatsworth recognised for rare breeds conservation
The farmyard at Chatsworth House, part of The Devonshire Group has been recognised for its contribution to conserving some of the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK.
Chatsworth Farmyard has been awarded an accreditation by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust for its work.
The farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest breeds of livestock and equines, including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar chickens – with British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies due to join them soon.
The award comes as the family-friendly farmyard and children’s adventure playground recently reopened to visitors after several months closed in line with Covid restrictions.
Melissa Underwood, Chatsworth Farmyard manager, said: “Since joining Chatsworth Farmyard in September we have been increasing the numbers of rare breeds kept here.
“One of my best moments has been to discover that the Albion breed of cattle originated here in Bakewell. They were an obvious choice for us to have here and we hope to use them in our milking demonstrations later in the year.
“We were lucky to be able to source our two females and look forward to welcoming their calves in the summer.
“I am passionate about rare breeds and their conservation and look forward to sharing our journey and exciting new breeding programmes with our visitors.”
