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2024-12-31-accounts

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2024

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

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Contents

Our goals 4 A message from our Chairman 5 A message from our Chief Executive Officer 6 A message from our Chair of Conservation 7 & Research Committee

A message from our Director of Finance 8 & Operations

9 Promoting 18 Securing - 24 Delivering es — 36 Recognition

Financial Review 43
Governance 45
Independent Auditors Report 47
Statement of Financial Activities 49
Balance sheet 50
Statement of cash flows 51
Notes to the financial statements 52
RBST Corporate Directory 65

Golden Guernsey Sledmere Grettle bred by Sledmere Farm Park. Photograph by Laura Clark.

Cover photograph: Fell pony. Photography by Jean Sinclair.

www.rbst.org.uk

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Our goals and what we’re doing to achieve them

Goal: A reverse in the decline of all livestock breeds on the Watchlist

Goal: A comprehensive up-to-date Gene Bank

What: We aim to have all the breeds on the Watchlist stable by 2028

How:

What: The RBST Gene Bank is the charity’s single biggest investment and a key national asset. We will work towards making this a National Gene Bank, supported by government

How:

Goal: Livestock genetic diversity recognised by government and wider society as a fundamental element of agricultural and biodiversity policy

What: We lobby for genetic diversity to be recognised in government policies such as the Agriculture Act, Rural Development Policy and Biodiversity Policy

How:

www.rbst.org.uk

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A message from our Chairman

Standing Firm, Looking Forward

John Atkinson Chairman

2024 has been a year of challenge - and of real momentum - for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. As Chairman, I’m proud to look back on the strides we’ve made together to protect the UK’s native livestock and equines, and to build stronger systems for their future.

Native breeds aren’t just relics of the past. They’re vital assets for tomorrow. These animals are perfectly suited to Britain’s diverse landscapes. They thrive in low-input systems, support nature-friendly farming, and carry the genetic resilience we urgently need in the face of climate change, new diseases, and shifting markets.

Throughout 2024, RBST continued to punch above its weight. Against a backdrop of economic turbulence, political change, and the slow erosion of rural infrastructure, we stayed laser-focused on our mission: to safeguard the future of native breeds.

Our influence in policy circles continues to grow. We’ve worked constructively with ministers and officials across all four UK nations to ensure native breeds are part of national conversations on farming, food, and the environment. We’re starting to see the results: proposals in Wales to directly support native breed keepers, new investment in small and mobile abattoirs in England, and the launch of Scotland’s Small Producer Pilot Fund- an initiative RBST helped shape from the ground up.

across farming, science, business, and public policy helps make RBST’s work not only credible, but ambitious and forward-looking. Their time and insights are a tremendous asset.

Of course, conservation isn’t just about data - it’s about people. Our network of RBST-approved farm parks is doing incredible work bringing native breeds to life for the public. These parks inspire schoolchildren, families, and future farmers, and they’re helping to grow the next generation of stewards. We were delighted to welcome new parks to the network this year and to see such passion and creativity in their education and outreach work.

As we look ahead, there’s real cause for optimism. More people are recognising what RBST has championed for decades: native breeds aren’t just a nostalgic nod to the past. They’re essential to the future of sustainable farming, biodiversity, and rural life.

To our members, partners, and friends - thank you. Your belief in our mission is what makes this work possible. Together, we are making a lasting difference for the animals, the landscapes, and the communities we care about.

With your support, RBST is ready to meet the challenges ahead- and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead in a changing world.

But this year has also made clear how fragile the systems that support native breeds still are. The 2025 Watchlist shows a mixed picture. While some populations are holding steady or growing, others remain dangerously at risk. The pressures are real: market uncertainty, regulatory change, and above all, the loss of local abattoirs threaten the survival of breed-specific supply chains. That’s why our call for a strategic, joined-up approach to rebuilding rural processing isn’t just about convenience - it’s about survival, especially in remote and marginal areas.

At the heart of everything we do is conservation. Our programmes continue to deliver: storing genetic material, monitoring populations, and supporting breed societies with high-quality data and practical guidance. We’ve also made big strides in strengthening our digital tools to track genetic diversity - ensuring our decisions are always grounded in solid science.

This year, the Board reviewed our five-year strategy. I want to thank my fellow trustees, whose expertise

www.rbst.org.uk

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

A message from our Chief Executive Officer

Christopher Price CEO

Public appreciation for the UK’s native livestock and equine breeds continues to grow - a vital and encouraging trend. These animals are more than heritage icons; they are living links to our landscapes, food traditions, and sustainable farming futures. Yet despite their value, native breeds face mounting challenges: economic pressures, disease risk, rapid policy change, and fragile rural infrastructure.

In 2024, RBST intensified its efforts to ensure these breeds are not only preserved but promoted within a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. With each UK nation now shaping post Brexit agricultural policy independently, we have worked to ensure native breeds are at the heart of these new frameworks. Constructive engagement with both the outgoing Conservative Government and the incoming Labour administration has been central to this work. Encouragingly, the new ministers have shown a clear willingness to listen.

We continue to advocate for tangible support - particularly through Environmental Land Management schemes and by strengthening the local abattoir network.

On that front, we saw meaningful progress. In early 2024, thanks to RBST’s sustained and continuing lobbying a £3 million fund was announced to support small abattoirs, followed by a further commitment for new-build and mobile facilities in England. RBST has urged the new Defra team to maintain this momentum and ensure funding is accessible - especially for small-scale operators who struggle with large upfront costs. We’ve also called for regulatory reform to bring the UK in line with EU countries that offer proportionate, supportive frameworks for small abattoirs.

In Northern Ireland, we raised concerns about DAERA’s proposed Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, which will cap slaughter age at 26 months by 2027. Such a limit could severely affect the productivity and economic viability of many native breeds. We continue to call for a more nuanced approach that recognises the unique characteristics and growth patterns of traditional livestock.

In Scotland, we were proud to help shape the Small Producers Pilot Fund, which awarded £180,000 in grants for training, knowledge exchange, and abattoir development. This fund will help rebuild resilient, local supply chains - especially for crofters and smallholders. Meanwhile, in Wales, we strongly welcomed the Welsh Government’s proposals under the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which include targeted support for keeping native breeds. These are among the most progressive and encouraging policy commitments we’ve seen across the UK.

RBST’s presence was felt across all four nations throughout 2024. In August, our Chair met with Defra ministers to spotlight the role of native cattle in conservation grazing in Cumbria, demonstrating their immense potential for both biodiversity and local economies. We also highlighted the success of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme in supporting innovation among native breed farmers.

In 2024, RBST made major strides in native breed conservation. The Gene Bank expanded with critical additions, including Vaynol cattle and Cleveland Bay genetics, while embryo technology advanced preservation efforts. A landmark British Friesian calf was born using stored semen, and the British Lop project achieved a significant reduction in mean kinship. A new native cattle initiative launched with £20,500 in funding to identify breeding challenges and opportunities. Progress continued in the equine project and Portland wool collaboration, while disease awareness efforts grew. These proactive measures are shifting RBST’s focus from genetic preservation alone to revitalising breed populations and viability.

People are central to this mission. RBST-approved farm parks remain critical in connecting the public with native breeds. In 2024, we welcomed White Post Farm in Nottinghamshire to the network. Their educational outreach, reaching over 150,000 visitors annually - 15,000 of them schoolchildren - proves the power of these animals to inspire the next generation.

Financially, 2024 was a strong year. Our income reached a nine-year high, our balance sheet remains robust, and costs are tightly managed. Still, challenges persist: fewer people are joining organisations or volunteering, and competition in our commercial space is increasing. In response, the Board has agreed to invest a portion of reserves in securing RBST’s future, increasing the number of conservation staff and enhancing RBST’s marketing and social media as we recognise the challenges of getting our message across to new audiences.

My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who makes our work possible - our President, Vice Presidents, Trustees, members, and especially our dedicated staff team: Claire McNicol, Tom Blunt, Tracy Wathen-Jones, Alice Lennox, Rachel Peckover, Tracey Howe, and Hannah Roberts. Thanks also to our communications advisers, Linda Trotman and Isobel Davidson.

And finally, thank you to our members, supporters, and partners. Your commitment ensures that native breeds remain not only part of our past - but a thriving part of our shared future.

www.rbst.org.uk

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A message from our Chair of Conservation & Research Committee

Claire Saunders Chair of Conservation & Research Committee

2024 has been a year of momentum and meaningful impact for the RBST Conservation and Research Committee. Our work has continued to evolve from safeguarding rare breeds in principle to securing their place in the future of food, farming, and biodiversity in practice. We’ve made real progress-not just in preserving genetics, but in restoring populations, raising awareness, and developing strategies that prepare us for the challenges ahead.

The Gene Bank remains a vital part of our conservation infrastructure, and this year we’ve moved beyond semen collection into embryos, unlocking the potential to reconstitute whole animals. This progress significantly strengthens our long-term security strategy. Among our most notable additions were collections from a Cleveland Bay stallion and a Vaynol bull, both crucial assets in securing breeds that teeter on the brink. The British Pig Association partnership also reached an important milestone with the completion of the interim phase of the Native Pig Breeds Genebanking Project. With 7,500 straws from 114 boars now banked, including representatives of every native breed, we are better prepared than ever to respond swiftly to disease threats or demographic shocks.

Our focus on disease resilience has become more urgent as we face not only headline-grabbing risks but also the quieter, persistent threats that rarely make the news. Transmissible and inherited conditions- like neosporosis, Johne’s, or scrapie- can devastate small populations before they are even detected. We are working closely with Defra and breed societies to develop tailored risk-mitigation strategies, while also using our platforms to build awareness among breeders. Articles in The Ark and other outreach have reinforced essential practices, such as biosecurity and safe breeding decisions, especially in breeds with critically low numbers where a single outbreak could undo decades of progress.

This year also saw the launch of an ambitious native cattle project, made possible by funding from the HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust. With six breeds on the Priority list and many more facing stagnation, we are taking a proactive approach to understanding and addressing both practical and economic barriers to breeding. The project combines technical research with on-the-ground consultation to identify targeted interventions - from the use of assisted reproduction technologies to new market opportunities that support herd viability.

semen stored in the Gene Bank. Produced through our partnership with the British Friesian Breeders Club, this is a prime example of how stored genetics can reinvigorate current populations and broaden the genetic base. Meanwhile, the British Lop project, funded by the Gerald Fallowes Discretionary Trust, added 15 more boars to the Gene Bank and successfully reduced average kinship across the breed by collecting rare and underrepresented lines.

Our work with Vaynol cattle is a testament to long-term commitment. Once isolated to a single location, the breed is now spread across five sites, thanks to a coordinated RBST breeding programme. Breeders have shown incredible dedication, moving animals and sharing bulls to maximise genetic gain. The national population remains small, but for the first time in decades it is growing- and growing stronger.

We’ve also made strides in understanding the motivations and challenges faced by native equine breeders. In collaboration with the Horserace Betting Levy Board, our recent survey revealed that despite economic uncertainty, most breeders remain committed and are seeing encouraging demand. Some are already operating with foal waiting lists for 2025, underscoring the cultural and economic relevance of these breeds.

Finally, our wool collaboration with British Wool and the Portland Sheep Breeders Group reflects the kind of creative conservation that links heritage to the marketplace. By turning raw fleece into premium textiles, this pilot has given Portland producers a renewed sense of pride and potential income. It’s a replicable model for making conservation commercially sustainable.

This year, we’ve shifted from passive preservation to proactive action. The challenges are significant, but so is the energy, collaboration, and innovation driving our work. With every project, we are not just protecting the past - we are building the future of Britain’s native breeds.

We’re not just preserving genes in storage - we’re putting them to work. A standout moment this year was the birth of a British Friesian bull sired by

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

A message from our Director of Finance & Operations

2024 was a positive year financially. Economic uncertainty and lingering concerns around inflation created a difficult backdrop for RBST to operate in and despite some challenging underlying trends RBST delivered a strong set of results with an increase in income and continued cost control.

operating deficit over the coming years, subject to the known and accepted volatility surrounding Legacies and Investments. RBST is investing in additional staff members firstly to increase the strength of RBST’s identity in the devolved nations as well as increase capacity in regard to conservation. On the operations side RBST is planning to modernise its marketing strategy by delivering a new website and improve its social media and digital presence.

The two key figures that are both large and prone to volatility are Investments and Legacies. Both outperformed in 2024, with Legacies in particular almost three times higher than the long term average. It is known, and accepted, these figures are subject to relatively large variations from one year to the next. Key for RBST, is what these movements look like over the long term, and how that the activities of the Trust are managed year on year to ensure it operates within an acceptable range. RBST continues to adopt of a long term approach to planning, factoring in the need to address the risk of significant short term volatility. It has been stressed before that RBST expects an overall deficit in some years, and in others a surplus as a result of these fluctuating items. However, over the long term the Trust’s activities are within an appropriate range to ensure the finances remain stable.

In closing, I want to express something I say every year because it remains just as true: none of this would be possible without our incredible staff team. They continue to grow stronger, consistently going above and beyond to support the Trust’s mission. To our outstanding members, who help extend RBST’s reach far beyond what we could accomplish alone - thank you. To our valued corporate supporters and sponsors, whose business goals align so closely with our own, we are truly grateful. And finally, to those who so generously chose to remember us in their wills - your thoughtfulness means more than words can express. Thank you all - we truly couldn’t do this without you.

Claire McNicol Director of Finance & Operations

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Total Income
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Income was up in 2024 to a nine year high coming in at £933,509. This was predominantly driven by Legacies, which came in at £398,521, this offset decreases year on year in other areas of income. Grants and donations experienced a particular high in 2023 as a result of the generosity of members and supporters surrounding RBST’s 50th anniversary. Membership income was also down, and this remains a challenge across the charity sector. Income was down from charitable activities as a result of decreases in consulting, training courses and sponsorship as uncertainty over public funding has led to a slowdown in consultancy opportunities an increase in competition has compounded this.

Total expenses were slightly down, coming in at £687,737. This was due to the ongoing tight cost control implemented by RBST and some small additional expenses incurred during the 50th anniversary that were not repeated in 2024.

Restricted funds were increased over the course of 2024 as RBST focused on securing income to continue delivering its charitable objectives and funding is in place to continue delivering projects that are underway such as the Horserace Betting Levy Board project, The Native Cattle Project (HDH Wills), the Lop project, the Priority Breed Projects and more.

Over the last six years RBST has focused on both cost 3,900,000 Total funds carried forwards control and income diversification. This strategy has paid off and RBST has made progress on both fronts 3,550,000 and Net Income has seen continued improvements 3,200,000 LAY and this in turn has led to a steady increase in total funds. The point has come where the RBST Board 2,850,000 has made an active decision to invest these funds going forwards, thus RBST is expecting to increase its 2,500,000 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 8 www.rbst.org.uk ~~eed~~

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Promoting

During 2024, RBST continued

RBST works with its members across the UK to promote our native breeds, and their produce, add to the Gene Bank, support breeding and conservation programmes, and provide specialist advice and training.

its presence at events aimed at its target audience of sustainable and regenerative farmers. With a growing awareness of the importance of farming working with nature to meet both our food and environmental needs, RBST is finding many more doors opening for our native breeds, underscoring the vital role that they can play.

ORFC

The 2024 Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) saw RBST taking to the stage to deliver some key messages around the role of native livestock breeds in modern farming.

RBST CEO Christopher Price and member Maria Benjamin took part in a session which looked at why we must move beyond the perception of wool as a low-value by-product of the meat industry. The messages delivered included the role of native breed sheep in delivering climate-friendly, sustainable products and the potential of wool to be a carbon sink, with around 40% of a sheep’s fleece consisting of carbon.

Another key session was chaired by RBST President Baroness Sue Hayman, addressed the issue of local abattoirs and the importance of Government investment. ul

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Groundswell.
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Groundswell

In terms of value to RBST, the annual Groundswell Regenerative Agricultural Festival goes from strength to strength and provides one of the most useful ways to meet its target audiences. The Festival provides a forum for farmers, growers and those interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical application of regenerative farming systems.

The RBST stand saw a high level of visitors, including farmers, smallholders, farming and environmental organisations and journalists, many of whom reported that they had attended Groundswell with a specific desire to talk to RBST.

Shows around the country

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Support Group members, RBST is able to have a presence at most of the key agricultural shows around the country, including the Great Yorkshire, the Royal Lancashire, the Royal Cornwall, the Royal Norfolk, the Royal Highland, Royal Welsh, Balmoral in N Ireland and many more regional and local shows.

The members who represent RBST at these shows promote our native breeds, often with an impressive range of animals on display, and their produce, engaging with members of the public and showcasing their own chosen breeds in the showring.

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Royal Highland Show.
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Royal Welsh Show.
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NSA Sheep Event

The biennial NSA Sheep Event is a flagship occasion for the National Sheep Association which provides RBST with a prime opportunity to showcase the UK’s native breeds to the sheep sector.

As a business-to-business event, it attracts a range of stakeholders, including breeders, farmers, retailers and auctioneers. RBST took part in some extremely positive conversations with both existing breeders and those investigating the possibility of introducing native breeds into their farming systems.

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Tom Blunt at the NSA Sheep Event 2024.
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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Promoting … in Scotland

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RBST Vice President Scotland Martin Beard,
Christopher Price and Mairi Gougeon MSP at GO Falkland.
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The creation of an umbrella support group covering the whole of Scotland has seen RBST considerably raising its profile north of the border.

RBST Scotland has successfully represented the work of the Trust at major shows and has ensured a presence at other key events engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

Excellence in Scottish sustainable food and farming was again celebrated at the 2024 Royal Highland Show when winners of the RBST Scotland Food and Farming Sustainability Awards were announced. The awards recognise businesses and individuals from Scotland’s food and farming industries who have placed environmental sustainability and native breeds at the heart of their activities. Two new awards were introduced for 2024 to reflect innovation in sustainable farm diversification and marketing of sustainable produce. RBST Scotland was honoured to again welcome Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP who presented the awards.

Also at the Royal Highland, the RBST Scotland team organised a series of talks and hosted displays from twelve breed societies in their marquee. As well as attracting large numbers of members of the public, the RBST presence garnered considerable media attention.

Addressing the subject of regenerative farming, RBST Scotland became one of the sponsors of GO Falkland, a key event designed to bring together vital voices and hands-on practitioners in the fields of regenerative farming, forestry and food. Held on the Falkland Estate in Fife, GO Falkland was inspired by Groundswell.

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RBST Scotland Food and Farming Sustainability Award winners with MSP Mairi Gougeon.
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Members of the new Wales and Borders Support Group.
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Aaron Kirkpatrick (Secretary Northern Ireland Support Group),
Vaughan Byrne (Chief Steward), Ryan Perry (RBST Vice Chair).
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… in Wales … in Northern In 2024 a new RBST Ireland

RBST Northern Ireland again collaborated with its partner organisations in the dedicated Regenerative Farming Zone.

This was running for the second time at the 2024 Balmoral Show, one of the biggest outdoor events in Northern Ireland’s calendar.

Helping to grow RBST’s presence in Wales, the new group took its message to the Welsh Smallholders Show, RBST’s first presence there for many years. This provided the opportunity for meeting with longstanding members and for talking through the benefits of native breeds to many smallholders looking to find out what species would work best for them in their systems.

Later in the year the group made another return, this time to the Royal Welsh Show, again for the first time in a number of years. This provided another important opportunity to engage with existing members and to meet with members of the public to inform them of the important work of the Trust.

RBST NI joined forces with the Nature Friendly Farming Network, GrowIn, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, Ulster Wildlife and the RSPB to promote the advantages of farming with both nature and food production in mind.

With a strong farming focus, the shared space welcomed anyone interested in the regenerative agriculture movement, demonstrating how farming can help nature and biodiversity thrive while also producing high-quality food.

Amongst the early visitors to the Regenerative Farming Zone was recently-appointed Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir, who joined in the conversations about the need to move fast on the new Farming with Nature agri-environment scheme for Northern Ireland.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Promoting Working with farm parks

Almost since its inception, RBST has run an approved farm park scheme which comprises a diverse group of locations where members of the public can enjoy a native breeds experience.

Farm parks offer an important public showcase for RBST’s work with native breeds, attracting many thousands of visitors each year. In addition, many farm parks can be seen out and about at their local agricultural shows, showing off their pedigree livestock to an even wider audience. And, because they are actively involved in breeding programmes, they can be an important source of pedigree stock.

First and foremost, RBST approved farm parks are selected for their active breeding programmes of Watchlist breeds. As well as those operating as visitor attractions, the farm parks in the Education category are integral to educational facilities while Associate members keep and breed natives as an adjunct to their core conservation activity.

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Introducing White Post

White Post Farm in Newark, Nottinghamshire, joined the RBST approved farm park network in 2024.

Established over thirty years ago, White Post has an impressive focus on education, offering a wide range of learning opportunities as well as fun days out.

White Post welcomes an average of 150,000 visitors a year, 15,000 of which are school children. As well as hosting the usual school and other organised groups, White Post offers a range of structured learning opportunities, including a weekly Little Farmers Club, a Ranger Academy for both young people and adults, and a home educator programme. An approved provider for the Nottinghamshire County Council’s outreach programme, a roadshow team takes animals out to schools and prisons.

In order to achieve RBST accreditation, White Post added new breeds to its livestock collection and introduced breeding programmes for Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, Royal Golden Guernsey goats and Greyface Dartmoor sheep, plus Scots Dumpy and Norfolk Black poultry.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Promoting : * r ; “ya”

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Photograph: Tom Thurston

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Every year, RBST offers youngsters around the country the opportunity to enter the showring – often for the first time – with its Young Shepherds competition.

The competition offers budding young shepherds the opportunity to get a feel for showing and pick up some valuable tips. Even those without their own sheep can take part, as RBST can arrange the loan of sheep for the occasion.

The competition takes place at around 25 venues UK-wide and each one sees a champion and reserve champion taking the honours in two age groups. Although the 2024 Grand Final could not take place due to the cancellation of the show where it was scheduled to take place, the competition again highlighted the skills and knowledge of the next generations of shepherds. The 2024 finalists will have the opportunity to compete for the championship in 2025.

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Ss An Eriskay foal. aoe Photograph by Alice Lennox.

RBST’s Call for action for our native livestock

1 Honour Our Living Heritage: Native Breeds as Biodiversity Champions.

Native livestock and equines are not just farm animals - they are living, breathing biodiversity. Bred for specific landscapes, they are the original ecosystem engineers, deeply woven into the fabric of our environment and culture.

We are calling on all UK governments to recognise native breeds as a vital part of national biodiversity - equal in importance to wild species - and deliver on international obligations to conserve them. Protecting these animals means investing in the public goods they provide: sustainability, resilience, and identity.

2 Power Up the Abattoir Network: Local, Diverse, Essential.

A thriving network of small, local abattoirs is essential. Without it, native breed farming is under threat, animal welfare is compromised, and food security is at risk.

Government must act now: support small abattoirs to handle the diversity and scale of native breeds, cut red tape, and invest in regional infrastructure that keeps food local and traceable. This is about more than slaughter - it’s about sovereignty, sustainability, and survival.

3 Make Biosecurity a National Priority.

Disease doesn’t wait.

Government must join forces with RBST and native breed farmers to champion biosecurity and contingency planning that works for all. Rare native breeds must be embedded in national animal biosecurity strategies - not as an afterthought, but as frontline defenders of our food future. This partnership will build rural resilience, safeguard genetic diversity, and ensure the UK is ready for tomorrow’s threats, today.

4 Rethink Carcass Grading: Taste, Not Just Tonnage.

The current EU-based carcass grading system is outdated and unfair. It rewards bulk, not brilliance - measuring meat by shape and fat cover alone, and ignoring what really matters: taste, quality, and character. Native breeds, with their extraordinary flavour profiles and sustainable rearing, are penalised by a system that sees only volume. Worse still, it’s all based on a subjective visual check.

The UK must follow smarter models - like Australia’s eating quality-based grading - and legislate for a system that celebrates diversity, values eating experience, and empowers consumers to choose better meat.

Protecting heritage and delivering sustainability

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Securing

Public appreciation of our native breeds and their produce continues to grow, but the threats of economic uncertainty and disease outbreaks persist.

with each country’s government to ensure the interests of our native livestock and equines are properly protected and promoted in each country’s policy. Discussions which were ongoing with the former Conservative Government have continued with members of the Labour government.

Significant policy developments in 2024 included the then-Government’s response in April to the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor. The Review had clearly recognised the benefits of the diversity of livestock species and breeds kept on the moor and their contribution to a whole range of economic, environmental, and social benefits.

RBST will continues to engage with Government on its intentions for taking this issue, and the implementation of Environmental Land Management (ELM) more widely, forwards. We will also continue urging Defra to build on the progress starting to be made to support a robust and resilient local abattoir network.

At the same time, the details of how each of the UK’s Governments’ farming and land management policies, and how they will impact native breeds, remain to be seen.

Since the UK left the EU, each home country has been devising its own agricultural policy to replace the CAP. RBST is working

RBST continues lobbying for small abattoirs

2024 began with the announcement by the Conservative Government of a £4m fund to help the small abattoir sector invest for the future, followed by a promised further £3m in additional support for new and mobile abattoirs in England through its Farming Investment Fund.

With the change of government, RBST called on the new Defra team to maintain progress on the collaborative action already underway between government, small abattoir owners and native breed farmers to reverse the decline of the crucial local abattoir network.

it is designed to help, many of whom do not have the cash flow to afford significant up-front costs. It also urged Defra ministers to ensure swift roll-out of the new abattoirs fund and to continue pressing the EU to agree to similar lighter touch regulation for smaller abattoirs in the UK seen in much of mainland Europe.

In particular, RBST asked for action to ensure that Small Abattoir Fund it is fully accessible for those abattoir owners

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Speaking up for cattle in Northern Ireland

The scheme will see the introduction of a maximum slaughter age of 26 months for beef cattle by 2027.

When the Northern Ireland government pressed ahead with its Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, RBST repeated its concern that this could have an adverse impact on native breeds.

The scheme, introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is part of a new programme of Farm Support and Development being introduced to replace existing support schemes. DAERA says that it is designed to improve the efficiency of the beef sector and reduce livestock greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to meeting the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 targets.

RBST first voiced its concerns over plans for a 26 month maximum slaughter age in 2022, when DAERA launched a consultation process. It pointed out that while some breeds can be satisfactorily finished in 26 months, many native breeds take much longer to finish. If sent to slaughter prematurely, they become less productive as they will achieve a lower price than when fully matured. Although the scheme went live in January 2024, RBST continues to urge DAERA to reconsider implementing its wholesale application and take a more pragmatic approach by accepting the benefits of killing certain breeds at a later stage.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Securing RBST plays its part in Scotland

Its guidance has resulted in the launch of the Small Producers Pilot Fund which has £180,000 grant funding at its disposal.

RBST Scotland was one of a number of organisations invited by the Scottish government to be part of the Small Producer Steering Group tasked to design a funding scheme aimed at small producers.

The fund, which replaces the Small Farm Grant Scheme, is designed to target small producers and crofters with an aspiration to establish more localised supply chains and cut food miles. The funding will be used to provide training courses for small producers, create a resources web page and support two small-scale abattoir projects.

RBST voice heard in Wales

Under the proposals, farmers will be entitled to a Universal Baseline Payment in return for carrying out 17 Universal Actions.

Having contributed to the Welsh Government’s consultation on its

Most of these Actions relate to various aspects of land management, although a number concern aspects of business management. In addition, farmers will able to claim additional payments for carrying out one or more Optional Actions. The list of Optional Actions has yet to be finalised, but it includes payment for keeping native breeds.

Sustainable Farming Scheme, the new farming policy for Wales, RBST was pleased to see proposals which it sees to be among the best for native breeds with a particularly clear recognition of the economic, environmental and cultural benefits they provide.

Native breeds talks with new Defra ministers

In August, RBST Chair John Atkinson, met with Defra ministers Daniel Zeichner and Sue Hayman and Janet Hughes, senior Defra official, to discuss farming with native breeds.

The ministers heard about the vital role played by native

cattle in Cumbrian conservation grazing projects and how much more could be done with better incentives. They were also briefed on the role that Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funding can play in supporting entrepreneurial farmers.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

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The publication of the 2025 Watchlist underscores the ongoing need for support for our native breeds to ensure their long-term future.

In 2024, no breeds saw their conservation status improve sufficiently for them to change category, while two of our sheep breeds have been moved to the Priority category.

Since working with the methodology introduced in 2021, which focuses on population size alongside measures of inbreeding, RBST is able to understand in more detail the true conservation status of each breed. The Effective Population Size (Ne), is a globally recognised concept which indicates the genetic diversity within a breed. This accounts for the total number of animals in a population and the relative numbers of male and female parents (sires and dams). When there is a low Ne there is a greater likelihood of inbreeding and a higher risk of loss of genetic diversity. An effective population size of 50 is seen as the threshold (set by FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and any breed below this threshold is of concern.

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2024 saw the addition of the Welsh Section B (Welsh Pony) to the Watchlist, and it is encouraging that the data for 2024 indicate a relatively stable picture, with some small growth.

The New Forest Pony has been previously highlighted as being close to graduating from the Watchlist. However, while still in a relatively strong position, there has been a decline in the number of breeders and a slight decline in the number of dams, resulting in a fall in Ne for the second consecutive year.

Six of our equine breeds fall into the Watchlist Priority category and all six show a low Ne. The rarest numerically is the Eriskay but breed data indicates a significant improvement based on 2023 figures while the Hackney has been in a worrying position for a number of years.

Data for the Cleveland Bay illustrate a successful year in terms of the number of registered animals, with highest number of breeders registering animals since 2019. Encouragingly, the Ne for the Suffolk has increased to 50 and the Dartmoor, Fell, Shire and Welsh Section B all saw an improvement.

A breed to note is the Fell pony, with over 50 more dams recorded as producing registered progeny in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 23%. The Dartmoor achieved a 14% increase in the number of dams.

Pigs

Seven of the pig breeds remain in the Priority category. In recent years the Large White and British Landrace have been singled out as breeds of concern. Based on the British Pig Association (BPA) survey data, both breeds have stabilised in terms of numbers, with the British Landrace having a slight increase in overall sow numbers. There has also been an 81% increase in the number of female registrations for British Landrace and a 39% increase for Large White.

The Middle White has seen the gradual decline in numbers of breeders and registrations continue and the Large Black saw a 32% decrease in the number of females registered.

Despite a total number of British Lop registrations slightly higher than 2023, the overall number of sires and dams was down, reflecting a continuing trend.

Female registrations for the Welsh have improved and are back up to the levels seen in 2022. The Gloucestershire Old Spots, British Saddleback and Oxford Sandy and Black also had productive years in terms of registration numbers.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

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Goats

There are five goat breeds/populations on the RBST Watchlist; the English and Old English goat remain Priority breeds with the Bagot and Royal Golden Guernsey categorised At Risk. The Cheviot goat is recognised as a feral population.

2024 saw a decline in Ne for all breeds, and a decline in the number of dams producing registered progeny. This general downward trend follows a period of stability for the Bagot and growth for the English and Royal Golden Guernsey goats.

Cattle

For the Original Population Lincoln Red, the number of dams producing registered progeny increased by 86%, keeping it from the Priority category. The 2024 data for Gloucester, one of the Priority breeds, also show an increase in the number of females producing registered progeny and the number of registrations has increased for the second consecutive year.

The Whitebred Shorthorn figures have returned to those achieved in 2022. The Shetland breed has also seen a significant improvement compared to the 2023 performance, with the number of dams up 22%. The British White 2024 data were very similar to that of 2023, with a similar number of registrations achieved, indicating breed stability.

For the Vaynol, data indicate a slight decline in the number of dams, but 22 females were bred pedigree, with 11 castrated males recorded, which accounts for the reduced dam figures. Overall, therefore, the situation is encouraging.

The Irish Moiled has seen a decline in performance, following two very successful years. There is a similar story for the Albion, with the number of females producing pedigree progeny falling to a similar level to 2022. White Park registrations fell by 16% and the number of dams producing registered progeny fell to its lowest level since 2003.

The Albion, Vaynol and the ACW each have an Ne below the FAO threshold of 50 while the Gloucester has increased, moving further above the 50 threshold. The British White, Shetland and Whitebred Shorthorn have also improved. after falling below the threshold of 50 in 2023.

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peak of 1,911 female registrations in 2020, the 2024 figure represents a 62% decline, although the breed remains in the At Risk category. North Ronaldsay and Portland also saw a decline in female registrations.

The Lincoln Longwool, another of the Priority breeds, has experienced a relatively stable year and if this continues then the breed’s conservation status will improve.

Breeds to note for a very productive year are Devon and Cornwall Longwool, Devon Closewool, Dorset Down and Llanwenogs.

For the Devon and Cornwall Longwool, female registrations were up 45%, the highest recorded since 2017, while the Devon Closewool saw female registrations up by 39%. The Dorest Down recorded the highest number of dams since 2017 and Llanwenogs saw a 23% increase in the number of dams ee producing registered progeny.

Sheep

The Manx Loaghtan and Leicester Longwool have been moved into the Priority category. The number of Leicester Longwool dams producing pedigree progeny was down 29% and there has also been a gradual decline in Ne. The Manx Loaghtan has seen a decline for the second consecutive year, with the Ne at its lowest since 2000 when this calculation was first recorded. Since 2022 there has been a 34% decrease in the number of dams producing pedigree offspring.

The Whiteface Dartmoor is also a breed to highlight, with figures recorded over the last five years gradually declining. From a

Poultry

In 2024 the decision was made to categorise all poultry as Priority breeds and on the 2025/26 Watchlist, this status remains unchanged. It is clear the industry faces challenges, not least Avian Flu, and RBST will continue to work with Defra and the relevant organisations to gather more data on poultry breeds.

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Rare Breeds Survival Trust

The methodology used by RBST to prioritise breeds compares population size with measures of inbreeding and takes into account both females and males and the internationally recognised effective population calculation. RBST would like to thank Defra and UK Breed Societies for their help producing the Watchlist.

PRIORITY English Goat Old English Goat AT RISK Bagot Royal Golden Guernsey FERAL POPULATIONS Cheviot

PRIORITY Leicester Longwool Lincoln Longwool Manx Loaghtan North Ronaldsay Whitefaced Woodland Welsh Mountain Pedigree

PRIORITY Albion

PRIORITY PRIORITY Cleveland Bay Horse Berkshire Dales Pony British Landrace Eriskay Pony British Lop Exmoor Pony Large Black Hackney Horse and Pony Large White Suffolk Horse Middle White Tamworth

Ancient Cattle of Wales Chillingham Wild Cattle (Feral) Dairy Shorthorn (Original Population) Gloucester Northern Dairy Shorthorn Vaynol

AT RISK Balwen Border Leicester Boreray Castlemilk Moorit Cotswold Derbyshire Gritstone Devon and Cornwall Longwool Devon Closewool Dorset Down Dorset Horn Hill Radnor Llanwenog Lonk Norfolk Horn Oxford Down Portland Soay Teeswater Torwen Badgerface Welsh Wensleydale Whiteface Dartmoor

AT RISK Clydesdale Horse AT RISK Dartmoor Pony British Saddleback Fell Pony Gloucestershire Old Spots Highland Pony Oxford Sandy and Black New Forest Pony Welsh Section B Welsh Pony Shire Horse

AT RISK British White Irish Moiled Lincoln Red (Original Population) Native Aberdeen Angus Shetland Traditional Hereford White Park Whitebred Shorthorn

OTHER NATIVE BREEDS Shetland Pony Welsh Pony and Cob (Types A,C and D) IRISH BREEDS IN THE UK Connemara Pony Irish Draught Horse

PRIORITY

OTHER NATIVE BREEDS Norfolk Horn Aberdeen Angus Oxford Down Ayrshire Portland Beef Shorthorn Soay Belted Galloway Teeswater British Friesian Torwen Badgerface Welsh Dairy Shorthorn Wensleydale Devon Whiteface Dartmoor Dexter Galloway - Including White OTHER NATIVE BREEDS and Riggit Beulah Guernsey Black Welsh Mountain Hereford Blackface (Scottish) Highland Blueface Leicester Jersey Brecknock Hill Cheviot Lincoln Red Clun Forest Longhorn Dalesbred Luing Exmoor Horn Red Poll Greyface Dartmoor South Devon Hampshire Down Sussex Hebridean Welsh Black Herdwick IRISH BREEDS IN THE UK Jacob Kerry Hill Kerry Llandovery Whiteface Hill** _[These breeds were formerly considered to be ]_ Lleyn _*Priority or At Risk breeds_ North Country Cheviot Poll Dorset — Romney a ie Rough Fell Ryeland Shetland Shropshire Southdown South Country Cheviot South Wales Mountain Suffolk Swaledale Torddu Badgerface Welsh Welsh Hill Speckled Welsh Mountain Wiltshire Horn IRISH BREEDS IN THE UK Galway

FERAL POPULATIONS Dartmoor Hill Pony Carneddau Pony

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Albion cattle at Cotswold Farm Park
Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England No 1204694
#NativeBreedsForModernNeeds Registered Charity in England No 269442 and Scotland OSCR No SC053451
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Scan to join or donate at www.rbst.org.uk

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Delivering . Cs his (SSS Britain’s oldest primitive goat joins the Watchlist

in the valley to replace an earlier herd that was removed elsewhere, and has been left as a completely wild herd with no intervention other than to reduce numbers periodically.

Joining the Watchlist as a feral breed, the College Valley Cheviot goat herd, located in College Valley, Newton Tors and Yeavering Bell In Northumberland, is described as an authentic remnant of Britain’s oldest landrace goat.

While there are other feral goat populations in various pockets around the UK which may or may not have some Cheviot or authentic British Primitive goat genetics, the history and long isolation of the College Valley herd have enabled them to exist as a distinct population without introgression from modern goat breeds.

A detailed annual census has been carried out since 2005. Any necessary actions are discussed by the Goat Management Group, which includes the College Valley, Yeavering and Lilburn estates over which the goats roam, Northumberland National Park, tenant farmers, the British Primitive Goat Research Group and a member of lecturing staff from Newcastle University.

From time to time, goats are moved to conservation grazing or private breeding projects around the country in an effort to maintain genetic diversity and safeguard the gene pool. However, relocated goats remain subject to the annual census to enable them to be included on the NBAR register.

Although RBST is not actively looking to add feral populations to the Watchlist, applications are considered where populations meet certain criteria. First and foremost, it must fit the definition of a native breed as defined by Defra’s UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee (UKGLE, formerly FAnGR). In fact, the College Valley Cheviot herd was accepted by Defra as a Native Breed at Risk (NBAR) in 2010.

The Cheviot has a documented history going back to at least 1860, pre-dating the drive for dairy goat improvement and development of our modern breeds that began with the founding of the British Goat Society in 1879. The goats were put out

Grey nanny. Photographs: Dave Hunt.

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Funding

Funding win for major native breed cattle project

Early in 2024, RBST was invited by the HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust to submit a bid for “a substantial project”. With six native cattle breeds in the Priority category of the Watchlist and a further eight At Risk, it was decided to bid for funding for a cattle project along similar lines to the ongoing HBLB-funded equine project. The bid was successful and RBST will receive over £20,500 for the project.

Based on the Watchlist, and following more detailed discussions with keepers, breed societies and representatives, RBST had identified a number of areas requiring further investigation. The project will therefore focus on evidence gathering to better understand the drivers behind keeping and breeding native cattle and the challenges presented. This will enable RBST to put together a series of actions that will significantly improve the status of these breeds.

The native cattle project will take a two-pronged approach; the first is concerned with identifying overarching and breed specific issues, including an analysis of differing approaches to breeding and reproductive technologies. In light of this, best practice guidance for establishing breeding strategies will be created and promoted.

The second part will focus on the uses of the breeds and the opportunities for extending those uses, thus raising the breeds’ profile and increasing their numbers.

British Friesian Gene Bank project brings back lost genetics

In 2021, the Genetics Group of the British Friesian Breeders Club (BFBC) embarked on a project to use the RBST Gene Bank to bring back historic genetics into the modern herd. In 2024 the Group announced that semen from the first of the Gene Bank sires has produced a new breeding bull.

Although it is not a Watchlist breed, RBST holds a collection of genetic material for the British Friesian and agreed with BFBC that Gene Bank material could be used to help avoid what could become a narrowing gene pool.

The BFBC was formed in 1990 to promote and encourage the

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best of British Friesians to counter what was described as the ‘North Americanisation’ of the breed. Today the British Friesian has its own breed code, with 87.5% British Friesian being the minimum required for pedigree registration.

The aim of the project is to restore the pre-1990 British Friesian genetics within the modern breed and counter the over-use of certain genetics. The Genetics Group had established that the RBST Gene Bank was the only resource available with a good selection of historic bulls.

Vaynols – 15 years of progress

In 2009, the entire population of Vaynol cattle, one of our very rarest cattle breeds, existed in a single herd at Home Farm Temple Newsam. Fifteen years on, thanks to a breeding project launched by RBST and since taken up by a dedicated group of breeders, Vaynols can be found in five locations, spread around Britain. Although the breed is still extremely low in numbers, the growth that has been achieved to date is helping to secure its future survival.

Vaynol cattle are thought to represent the remnants of the ancient white cattle that once roamed the British Isles. The Vaynol Estate, near Bangor in North Wales, began breeding its cattle in the late 1870s as a decorative addition to the landscape. The herd was kept at Vaynol Park until 1980 when the estate was sold and the cattle initially moved to a number of locations, including Home Farm Temple Newsam, near Leeds. In 1984 RBST arranged to relocate all of the Vaynols and the entire herd was brought back together at Home Farm Temple Newsam, an RBST approved farm park.

A breeding programme began at Temple Newsam, and in recognition that such a rare breed kept in a single location made it too vulnerable to disease, a new satellite herd was established in Lincolnshire. Further herds have since been established in Scotland, including at Dumfries House, and in the south of England.

As of 2023, there were 55 females and 13 males in the national Vaynol herd, representing an increasingly healthy population. Behind the success of the breeding programme is the commitment of the breeders who have taken it on and are making it work by operating as a group. Bulls are moved around the group, often sent on loan free of charge or for a minimal fee, and the members hold meetings to review and agree progress.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Delivering gg Understanding equines

whether it’s conservation, economics, a specific discipline, love for the breed or a combination of all that influences breeding decisions.

As part of its ongoing equine project with the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), RBST undertook a survey to find out what influences breeders.

A vital part of conserving any breed is the dedication of breeders. In the equine world, there are many elements to this: from breeding a mare, to choosing a stallion and on to rearing a foal. RBST launched the survey to find out what makes breeders tick, what influences their breeding decisions and

The survey asked breeders whether they chose to breed in 2023/2024 and whether they would be open to leasing their mare or stallion to another breeder if it would help breed conservation. It looked at how many mares respondents bred from, whether they considered reproductive technology, and whether owners were willing to stand their stallion at stud.

The survey also asked how economic factors influenced breeding decisions. 65% said that the economic climate did not influence them. Despite this, when asked to explain their answer, the majority of respondents did cite that costs are getting higher and prices within the equine market are falling. However, many breeders responded that they have chosen to breed native equines as a hobby or as a rare breed project and so the economy would not affect their decision to continue breeding.

Interestingly, despite the economic climate, 50% of those surveyed believe the market for natives and their partbreds is expanding. They have experienced good demand for foals and youngstock and in some cases breeders had waiting lists for 2025 foals.

British Lop project sees mean kinship reduction

Later in the year, three further boars were added from the very successful Liskeard herd, a herd which had been a priority of the British Lop project as it is one of the oldest breeding herds still in existence. This was the first opportunity to collect from the herd and their addition reduced mean kinship from 0.0420 to 0.0408.

In further progress, an additional boar was collected, bringing the total of boars collected as part of the project to 15 and, more critically the addition of Aldwinkle Cornishman further reduced mean kinship to 0.0373.

At the beginning of 2024, RBST was able to report that as part of its ongoing British Lop project, funded by the Gerald Fallowes Discretionary Trust, a total of eleven boars had been added to the RBST Gene Bank. The breed has a total of seven boar lines and at least one boar from each line has been added.

The addition of these boars, alongside the eleven boars previously collected, ensures that a significant proportion of the Lop breed’s genetics are represented in the Gene Bank and safeguarded for the future.

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Building a Gene Bank

In November 2024, the British Pig Association (BPA) reported on the culmination of the Native Pig Breeds Genebanking Project, a joint initiative between the BPA, RBST

and Deerpark Pedigree Pigs launched in 2016.

The period from 2016 to 2024 was described as the ‘interim phase’ of the project, so the BPA report looked not only at what has been achieved but also at what will be needed to ensure that the Gene Bank of porcine genetics both remains viable and moves forward.

The need for a Gene Bank for native pig breeds was brought into strong focus with the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. Many keepers of traditional breeds relied on boar hire services to serve their sows or the swapping of boars with other breeders to avoid inbreeding, which the imposition of FMD movement restrictions made impossible. The initial priority, therefore, was to put traditional breed boars into an AI centre to provide an AI service for fresh semen matings.

The BPA and RBST decided to work together to develop this project with a commercial partner, Deerpark Pedigree Pigs in N Ireland, which had a government licensed AI centre. The first boars selected for the programme were chosen because they were already in N Ireland where FMD movement restrictions were less onerous and sales of fresh semen began.

The initial target was to collect from 25 unrelated sires from each of ten native breeds but a review of the project in 2016 concluded that it would involve too long a timeframe. A target of 10 unrelated boars for each breed was agreed. However, this was complicated by the need to ensure that all the boar lines of each breed were represented in the Gene Bank. Some breeds had more than 10 male bloodlines and in other cases the same bloodline had been collected more than once.

A target date of November 1, 2024 was set to complete this interim phase of the project. This would require at least six boars to be collected each year and a total financial commitment from the BPA and RBST of £113,000.

The selection of boars for the programme has not just focused on the bloodline if names. The aim of the Gene Bank is for the boars to be as unrelated to each other as possible and represent a wide cross-section of the existing herd for each breed. Where possible, boars are bred from females that have themselves been identified as least related to the overall population of the breed. For some of the breeds there have been planned mating programmes with the specific aim of producing Gene Bank boars.

To date, more than 7,500 straws of semen, each containing approximately six billion sperm cells have been frozen and stored from 114 boars.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

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Cleveland Bay
Holmeside Applejack.
Vaynol bull Ballylinney Yeoman.
Photograph by Ruth Dalton.
Holly Norton.
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Delivering Adding to the Gene Bank

RBST saves native farm breed genetics in its Gene Bank by collecting semen and embryos from farm livestock and equines.

Traditionally RBST has collected mainly semen but since 2015 advances in cryogenic technology have enabled the collection of embryos. Embryos have already been successfully collected from cattle, sheep and goats and work is ongoing to achieve frozen embryos from other species.

Collections are ongoing. In 2024, as well as achieving goals set for collection of pig genetics, important collections included a Cleveland Bay stallion and a Vaynol bull.

Silent killers

One of the reasons that RBST collects genetic materials for long-term preservation is as an insurance policy against large numbers of our rare breeds being lost due to a major disease outbreak. However, it is not only the headline-hitting epidemics that can threaten numerically challenged breeds and livestock keepers – and would-be keepers – need to be aware of the ‘silent killers’ that the public rarely gets to hear about.

The average person tends to know of the impact of livestock disease only from news reports; from the catastrophic consequences of the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001 to the more recent debates over TB in cattle and the impact of avian influenza. What most do not realise is that there are ongoing threats of both transmittable and genetically transferred diseases. In large commercial flocks and herds, these may be something that can be mitigated by the scale of operation, but the smaller the breed population, the more impact it can have.

So, as well as working with Defra and other bodies to put in place plans for a worst-case scenario, RBST works with

breed societies and breeders to identify these more silent killers and raise awareness within breeding circles so that measures can be taken to avoid or eliminate the threats.

One way in which RBST highlights the threats posed by ‘silent killers’ is with a regular series of articles in The Ark magazine. These highlight specific disease threats and the measures needed to protect against or deal with them. The articles also highlight the part that members of the general public can play in keeping disease from our livestock – measures such as clearing up after dogs when walking in the countryside to help prevent the spread of neosporosis or making sure that any food waste is disposed of safely and securely.

The better-informed livestock owners are, the less the risk of disease entering their herd or flock. With numbers for some breeds at alarmingly low levels, the loss of animals to disease can have a disproportionate impact on the security of the whole breed, so every keeper or potential keeper has another role to play in conservation by being vigilant to disease threats.

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Portland tweed.
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Putting pride back in wool

Today the picture is very different, with wool cheques for small-scale producers often not making it above single figures for the whole clip. This is a situation that British Wool is working to address and, with the collaboration of RBST, has invited breed societies to work with them to deliver better value for native breed wool. The Portland Sheep Breeders Group (PSGB) is one of those societies.

British Wool collectively markets on behalf of wool

producers, selling 75 per cent of the British wool clip across 20 online auctions held throughout the year. Wool from all over the country is tested, graded and sold in lots of 9 tonnes, with some small producers receiving just pennies per kilo for their fleece. Speciality types, identified by breed(s) can attract higher prices but for this British Wool needs to accumulate large enough volumes from multiple members to allow for economic processing.

Given these challenges British Wool is keen to work with RBST and breed societies to produce more specific speciality types that can be economically processed. One way that this is being explored is to amalgamate wool from a number of breeders working with a single breed.

The PSBG project began in 2021 and involved collecting fleece from breeders across the UK to achieve a collection of 1,000kg of wool and finding a buyer willing to process the wool and deliver a marketable product. The lead time between shearing in 2022 and the production of the tweed and throws was well over 12 months, so the project was paused in 2023 pending assessment of the outcome. Once it became clear that the quality of the products was very good, there was plenty of interest in continuing with the 2024 clip.

The project has seen the production of high quality, pure Portland products, giving the breeders pride in seeing their wool cared for and respected, bringing the farmer into the whole story from the fleece on a sheep’s back to finished product.

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Portland shearling rams.
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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Delivering = = == — Consultancy advice The RBST input was and training

The RBST input was comprehensive and very helpful. They looked at various cattle, pig and wild pony breeds that would suit our purposes and help us achieve our wilding vision.

RBST consultancy service

With half a century’s experience of studying native livestock and equines, their behaviour and their impact on the natural environment, RBST’s expertise in the use and management of native breeds is second to none.

Yan Swiderski , The Hamatethy Estate.

RBST’s Consultancy Service makes this expertise available to land managers and owners wanting to keep native livestock and equines on larger holdings, whether as part of a diversified farm business, an ecological restoration project or a move towards “wilder farming”.

The RBST conservation team offers support in scoping a project, selecting breeds and species to achieve ecological and commercial goals, managing their welfare needs, registrations, unlocking potential support payments, infrastructure requirements and sourcing the animals themselves.

Advice is provided to landowners and farmers to help them achieve their ecological and commercial goals for a more regenerative farming future. RBST uses its combination of conservation breeding and research programmes, population monitoring, education, advocacy and grass roots practices to inform practical, implementation-focused advice.

All proceeds from the RBST Consultancy Service go towards continuing RBST’s work to secure a future for the UK’s native breeds.

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Conservation grazing course- Sandwell March 2023
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RBST courses

RBST was one of the first organisations to recognise the conservation benefits of managed livestock grazing and, as a result, has an unparalleled degree of expertise and experience.

RBST runs three LANTRA accredited courses, Conservation Grazing in Practice, Advanced Conservation Grazing in Practice and Livestock Checkers. The Conservation Grazing in Practice course, run over two days, provides a basic introduction to extensive/conservation grazing and the use of livestock to achieve environmental objectives. The advanced course, also run over two days, provides experienced graziers with a comprehensive insight into some of the more advanced aspects of conservation grazing, including grazing ecology, physiology and designing complex grazing systems.

The one-day livestock checkers’ course provides a basic introduction to stock checking in the conservation/land-based sector. It is ideal for beginners, volunteers or anyone with limited experience of livestock. The course covers animal health and welfare, key legislation, the role and responsibilities of a stock checker and how to safely and effectively check livestock.

All courses are delivered by LANTRA accredited trainers and all delegates receive a LANTRA certificate after successful completion of the course.

Whatever your relationship to conservation grazing is, non-existent to experienced, the RBST grazing course provided an extensive, accessible and comprehensive overview of how to efficiently and ethically utilise livestock used for grazing. The plentiful resources and practical activities and the knowledge to be gained by both were excellently taught, and heightened by the course lecturers’ own knowledge. Working within conservation grazing, the course allowed us to share ideas, learn new ideas and ultimately improve our efficacy and welfare.

Fleur White , Essex Wildlife Trust.

RBST is delighted to be the chosen provider of conservation grazing training to organisations including the National Trust, RSPB and Wildlife Trusts and has been awarded a three-year contract with Natural England.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Recognition

A Shetland duckling. Photo by Holly Norton.

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Our Patron

RBST was delighted to learn that His Majesty The King retains his patronage of RBST following the review of Royal patronages conducted by the Royal Household after His Majesty’s accession to the throne.

Then Prince of Wales, The King became Patron of RBST in 1986, at a time when many of our native livestock and equine breeds were at the bleakest point in their history. His invaluable and far-sighted support has helped enable significant expansion of RBST’s work, as well as many crucial conservation projects and farm park programmes. His Majesty’s own animals have been key to a number of RBST breeding programmes to help secure vulnerable, irreplaceable genetic bloodlines, and he has given a home to new herds that RBST has formed to save some of our very rarest breeds.

Our President

The Baroness (Sue) Hayman of Ullock stood down as President of RBST on her appointment to the new Labour Government.

In her role as RBST President Sue helped RBST to make the case for securing a sustainable future for native livestock and equines in Parliament and across the wider political network and RBST is very grateful for the active involvement and interest she has shown in its work.

Award winners

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Maria Benjamin
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Two RBST members had their efforts to work with and promote native breeds recognised by becoming winners of prestigious regional farming awards. Maria Benjamin was honoured with the Women in Agriculture Award at the 2024 Cumbria Farmer Awards and Lyn Arrowsmith received a special award for her work with rare breeds at the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards 2024.

Maria’s accolade recognised her significant contributions to the agricultural sector in Cumbria. She co-manages Nibthwaite Grange Farm near Coniston Water with her partner, John Atkinson. Their farm is known for its commitment to conservation grazing and the rearing of traditional native livestock breeds. Beyond traditional farming, Maria has spearheaded several innovative ventures including The Soap Dairy, using milk from their Jersey cow, Lake District Tweed, creating textiles from locally sourced wool, and The Wool Library which aims to preserve and promote the provenance of British wool.

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Lyn Arrowsmith
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Lyn established Raskelf Rare & Heritage Breeds over 35 years ago and currently has over 20 different breeds on the farm. She competes and judges at events around the country and works with RBST York to help preserve the breeds and educate the public about their importance.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

oo el Recognition = | Soak Media coverage highlights 2024

The primary objectives of RBST media activity for 2024 were to build on the profile of the preceding 50th anniversary year; to place the concentration of our activity back to our core messaging on RBST lobbying and conservation objectives; to ensure strong promotion of native breeds and produce, particularly poultry and equine breeds; and to maintain our voice on the key issues relevant to the promotion and conservation of native livestock and equine breeds.

Coverage highlights in 2024 included:

Launch of the new RBST Watchlist in April 2024

28,149 per issue)

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Estimated ‘Opportunities To See’ of Watchlist launch: more than 12 million.

Promoting native breeds and their produce

Policy Calls to Action

Nation/region specific media activity

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024 EVERY WEE Recognition : iyave ——S———— = (It’s rar ee arg er pesCOUNTYane PONT posNEWS — amomne eve TS ee ' yzA an et oe aa 4 a , Bee eae, eee | eseee,eae et ae om ie al born on estate ; . ertecaeareogedhereti aonom!gania vase eeseasst \ Rare"stori® first time m+ 400 ¥ears ; . : ae Saintes Sameera— r = ’ 3 : ee are a=” ee Ss an ent ee a, ia poner F : ea ae eee eeae ee ae al iat , 3 Serer See ee ee pentaeg eyOe eT T aete ee aereer ae ~| My4 Sporepee‘ee era eeigeenony aeeeeeedee. tae Storer enha[aneann] St re | se tt oe peeotteeecsteooartet regetoteteal one aeeeenper cariee oe. cnnaren, wo onal”perenneeae = aidataial aape einseelane e, neaSoc eaeeee[] 1 ld faviseon seniinerie (WY Seeecenestt ee Be ee d houses, new why ee— git ee —j as ten enedSo HSqestieerh at sear hers eo obandKids:and whatef Made F ‘ sire Food banueurn ae ADDS ade _Media coverage highlights 2024 A Core Audience: The Country Smallholding magazine

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Native goats focus in The Country Smallholding Native goats focus in the Farmers Guardian

Goats focus

Poultry focus:

Increasing proactive equine coverage

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www.rbst.org.uk
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Financial Review

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2024 2023
Operating Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds
statement £ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Grants and Donations 52,319 - 93,172 145,491 151,475
Legacies 376,798 - 21,723 398,521 124,199
Membership Subscriptions (inc Gift Aid) 181,700 - - 181,700 196,811
Charitable Activities 81,188 - - 81,188 120,708
Advertising Revenue 14,539 - - 14,539 22,473
Investments 112,070 - - 112,070 114,168
Total income and endowments 818,614 - 114,895 933,509 729,834
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 190,259 - - 190,259 185,247
Investment management fees 18,548 - - 18,548 17,185
Charitable activities 399,995 49,298 29,637 478,930 496,827
Total expenditure 608,802 49,298 29,637 687,737 699,259
Net gains/(losses) on investments 187,644 - - 187,644 33,103
Net income/(expenditure) 397,456 (49,298) 85,258 433,416 63,678
----- End of picture text -----

Income

Total income in 2024 was up 28% at £933,509, compared with £729,834 in 2023. The increase was predominantly driven by an increase in legacies, other income areas were down.

Grants and donations were down slighly, due to higher than normal donations in 2023, as a result of giving for RBST’s 50th Anniversary. This was somewhat offset by an increase in restricted funds in 2024.

Legacies were £398,521 in 2024, up significantly compared with 2023. Legacies are inherently difficult to forecast and have a tendency to be volatile. Thus RBST budgets for Legacies using long term averages, 2024 was above the long term average and would be expected to offset any years which underperformed the long term average.

Membership income was £181,700 in 2024, down compared to 2023 due to a decrease in both membership subscriptions and gift aid. In common with social trends membership income rmeians a challenege and RBST continues to focus on diversifying its income. Corporate subscriptions were up slightly up within this.

Income from charitable activities in 2024 was down, at £81,188 compared with £120,708 in 2023, due to a decrease in consulting, training courses and sponsorship. The decreases were predominantly due uncertainty over public funding and an increase in competition.

In line with accounting requirements, we revalue our investments at each year end. In 2024 our investments remained at a net positive movement in funds of £187,644, a swing of £154,541 from the gain of £33,103 experienced in 2023. It must be remembered that this figure is simply a snap shot of investments at a point in time and is highly dependant on the markets at that moment. It is also important to note any gains (or losses) in a given year are uncrystallised. It is understood and expected that these averages will be made up of some years of large gains and others of large loses.

Expenditure

Expenditure for 2024 totalled £687,737 compared with £699,259 in 2023. The small decrease was primarily driven by additional costs for the 50th anniversary events during 2023 which were not repeated in 2024.

Unrestricted spend on Charitable activities increased, as the Trust continued to ensure spend was being directed to forwarding its objectives. However, spend from designated and restricted funds were down. The decrease in spend from designated funds was due the higher spend in 2023 assosiated with the 50th anniversary not being repeated and there was a focus on generating additional restricted funds in 2024.

Overall costs remain under close control however given RBST’s large net income in the year, across both unrestricted and restricted, it is to be expected that in future years expenditure increases will follow as these monies are spent down in line with forwarding the charity’s objectives.

Balance sheet

The Balance Sheet remains robust, with net assets increased by 13% to £3,802,782 at the end of 2024.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Financial Review (continued)

~~Reserves policy~~ 31 December 2024 31 December 2023 % Increase/
(Decrease)
Unrestricted funds(Free Reserves) 1,347,021 994,930 35.4%
Unrestricted funds(Tangible Fixed Assets) 95,101 100,150 -5.0%
Total Unrestricted funds 1,442,122 1,095,080 31.7%
Designated Funds:
- Gene Bank 2,000,000 2,000,000 0.0%
- Conservation – Breed stock 18,529 21,709 -14.6%
- Propertyimprovement fund 132,000 132,000 0.0%
- LopFund 5,884 8,951 -34.3%
- Website development 40,000 - -
Restricted Funds:
- Cattle Conservation 3,188 5,094 -37.4%
- Equine Conservation 23,536 29,145 -19.2%
- Goat Conservation 2,659 2,659 0.0%
- PigConservation 55,998 38,162 46.7%
- SheepConservation 22,196 21,562 2.9%
- Otherprojects 5,884 10,577 -44.4%
Ratio of Free Reserves to Annual
OperatingExpenditure		 2.0 years 1.4 years

The charity maintains a large investment portfolio in order to create an income, currently in the region of £110,000, to help fund its charitable activities.

Free reserves are shown in accordance with Charity Commission guidance CC19.

One of the prime objectives of the charity is to ensure the preservation of breeds. Therefore, a Gene Bank is maintained to ensure the characteristics of old and current breeds are conserved. This Gene Bank is treated as a heritage asset, which is irreplaceable. The Trustees have therefore designated £2million to maintain and develop the Gene Bank for the next generation.

The reserves that the Trustees have set aside provide financial stability and the means for the development of our principal activity. The Trustees’ aim is for free reserves to always cover at least the annual operating expenditure.

The Trustees regularly review the amount of reserves that are required to ensure that they are adequate to fulfil our continuing obligations.

Investment policy

A medium-risk approach describes the investment policy. Assets are held in the RBST Portfolio which is managed by Evelyn and which invests in a combination of segregated equities and collective funds. The portfolio targets an income yield of 4%; in 2024 it achieved 3.35%, which was acceptable given market conditions. The investment aim is to achieve this income target without detriment to the growth and without incurring unnecessary risk. The value of the RBST portfolio as at 31 December 2024 was £3,627,054 compared with £3,122,137 as at 31 December 2023.

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Governance

Structure

RBST is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Registration No. 269442). It is also a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Registration No. 01204694). It was founded in 1973. Its objects and powers are set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Trustees

The Board of RBST is comprised of unpaid trustees, with no fewer than six elected from its membership and up to five co-opted. The trustees are also the directors of RBST for the purposes of company law. The Board is responsible for setting policy, agreeing strategy and approving major commitments based on advice from senior management, and the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer. Day-to-day operations are delegated by the Board to the Chief Executive Officer, who leads the executive and volunteer teams. RBST’s Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that elected trustees may be appointed for two periods of up to four years, with years being defined by AGMs, at a time and must then take a minimum break of 24 months. Co-opted trustees may be appointed for two periods of up to three years, with years being defined by AGMs, at a time and must then take a minimum break of 24 months. The Board has two principal committees: the Conservation and Research Committee and the Finance and Governance Committee. Membership of these committees along with a full list of trustees and staff at the time of writing of this report are provided at the end of this report. The Conservation and Research Committee advises the Board of Trustees on strategic issues concerning conservation programmes and related activities. The Finance and Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing RBST’s financial performance and matters relating to management, organisation, governance, investments and risk management. Each new trustee is provided with training and an induction, where s/he learns about the organisation and the role and responsibilities of a trustee. The induction includes a pack containing the Charity Commission guidance ‘The Essential Trustee’; RBST’s governing documents; and the most recent annual report and financial statements. Trustees receive ongoing training, receive charity law updates, and are involved in strategic sessions relating to the operations during the year.

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of RBST for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom generally accepted accounting practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, and the provisions of the Charity’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Governance (continued)

Grant making policy

RBST occasionally makes donations or grants, in line with its charitable and strategic objectives, to partners in the RBST network, the outcomes of which are reviewed at regular periods.

Public benefit

In reviewing RBST’s charitable objectives and as part of planning its future programme of work, the trustees of RBST have taken account of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and have considered how the planned programme of work will consistently contribute to the Charity’s aims and objectives.

Remuneration policy

RBST’s approach to remuneration across the organisation is designed to ensure it can attract and retain the talented and motivated people it needs to deliver its mission.

Fundraising Regulator Statement of Compliance

The charity does not contract with a third party to undertake any fundraising on its behalf. The charity does employ a fundraising officer who initiates campaigns and supports fundraising activities.

The charity only makes fundraising approaches to contacts who have given explicit consent to receive such campaign documentation under GDPR guidelines. We have received no fundraising complaints during the year.

Risk management

The trustees have reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Particular attention has focused on Support Groups. These and other risks are kept under review. A full review of the risk register will be carried out next year.

Trustees Indemnity

The charity has Trustees’ indemnity insurance in place.

Our employees & volunteers

The delivery of RBST’s mission relies on talented and motivated people, and RBST is proud of the performance of its staff and volunteers across the UK. The trustees and Chief Executive Officer encourage widespread consultation and exchange of information at all levels of the organisation and continue to work together on a range of actions to improve employee and volunteer engagement, ensuring that RBST remains a great place to work and volunteer.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The trustees are committed to addressing equality, diversity and inclusion, recognising that doing so helps a board to make better decisions and means RBST is more likely to stay relevant to those it serves and to deliver its public benefit. Trustees will work to recognise and counter any imbalances in power, perspectives or opportunities in RBST, and in the attitudes and behaviour of trustees, staff and volunteers, so helping to make sure RBST achieves its aims.

The trustees’ report (including the directors’ report) was approved by the Board of trustees on 5th June 2025 and was signed on their behalf by:

John Atkinson . Chairman of the Board of trustees Date: 5th June 2025

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Independent Auditors Report Year Ended 31 December 2024

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cashflows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other

information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 45, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Independent Auditors Report (continued)

going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charitable company’s internal control.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this

report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Geoffrey Cox BA FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Dafferns Audit Limited, Statutory Auditor One Eastwood Binley Business Park Coventry, CV3 2UB Date: 5th June 2025

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Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income and Expenditure Account) Year Ended 31 December 2024

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2024 2023
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds
Note £ £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 610,817 - 114,895 725,712 472,485
Charitable activities 3 81,188 - - 81,188 120,708
Other trading activities 4 14,539 - - 14,539 22,473
Investments 5 112,070 - - 112,070 114,168
Total income and endowments 818,614 - 114,895 933,509 729,834
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 190,259 - - 190,259 185,247
Investment management fees 18,548 - - 18,548 17,185
Charitable activities 6 399,995 49,298 29,637 478,930 496,827
Total expenditure 608,802 49,298 29,637 687,737 699,259
Net gains/(losses) on investments 15 187,644 - - 187,644 33,103
Net income/(expenditure) 397,456 (49,298) 85,258 433,416 63,678
Transfers between funds 20 (49,731) 86,231 (36,500) - -
Other recognised gains/(losses):
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets 13 - (3,180) - (3,180) (300)
Gains/(losses) on disposal of fixed assets 13 (683) - - (683) -
Net movement in funds 347,042 33,753 48,758 429,553 63,378
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 20 1,095,080 2,162,660 115,489 3,373,229 3,309,851
Total funds carried forward 20 1,442,122 2,196,413 164,247 3,802,782 3,373,229
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All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. Activities relating to the Gene bank are disclosed in note 14.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Balance sheet

Year Ended 31 December 2024

2024 2023
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 13 95,101 100,150
Heritage assets 14 - -
Investments 15 3,627,054 3,122,137
3,722,155 3,222,287
Current assets
Stocks 16 24,030 28,848
Debtors 17 76,257 116,925
Cash at bank and in hand 42,101 68,914
142,388 214,687
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 18 61,761 63,745
Net current assets 80,627 150,942
Net assets 3,802,782 3,373,229
Charity Funds
Unrestricted funds 20 1,442,122 1,095,080
Designated funds 20 2,196,413 2,162,660
Restricted funds 20 164,247 115,489
Total charity funds 3,802,782 3,373,229

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 5th June 2025.

Signed on behalf of the Board of trustees

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OO.
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John Atkinson, Chairman of Trustees, Alison Pope, Treasurer

The notes on pages 53 to 63 form part of these financial statements

Company registration number: 01204694

50 www.rbst.org.uk ~~eB~~

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Statement of cash flows Year Ended 31 December 2024

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2024 2023
£ £
Cash flow from operating activities 186,929 (143,841)
Cash flow from investing activities
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (8,539) (10,479)
Payments to acquire investments (1,012,552) (691,667)
Receipts from sales of investments 695,279 751,986
Interest received 24,846 18,612
Dividends received 87,224 95,556
Net cash flow from investing activities (213,742) 164,008
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (26,813) 20,167
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2024 68,914 48,747
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2024 42,101 68,914
Cash and cash equivalents consists of:
Cash at bank and in hand 42,101 68,914
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2024 42,101 68,914
2024 2023
£ £
Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from
operating activities
Net income / (expenditure) for year 429,553 63,378
Dividends received (87,224) (95,556)
Interest receivable (24,846) (18,612)
Depreciation and revaluation of tangible fixed assets 13,588 9,064
(Gains) / losses on investments (187,644) (33,103)
Decrease / (increase) in stock 4,818 (13,524)
Decrease / (increase) in debtors 40,668 (55,753)
(Decrease) / increase in creditors (1,984) 265
Net cash flow from operating activities 186,929 (143,841)
Analysis of changes in net debt
31/12/23 Cashflows 31/12/24
£ £ £
Cash and cash equivalents 68,914 (26,813) 42,101
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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Notes to the financial statements Year Ended 31 December 2024

1 Summary of significant accounting policies

(a) General information and basis of preparation

Rare Breeds Survival Trust is an incorporated charity registered in England. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is Avenue Q, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are:

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

A network of volunteer support groups is constituted within the Trust and accordingly the accounts include their financial activities.

(b) Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. The cost of raising and administering such funds is charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

(c) Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.

Subscriptions are included in the Income and Expenditure Account in the accounting period in which they are received.

This treatment is also adopted for the limited number of subscriptions received from new life members.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

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Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity, for example the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.

No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail is given in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity for which it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed.

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

(d) Expenditure recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose.

(e) Support costs allocation

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, and administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. All support costs have been allocated on the basis of number of employees. Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.

The analysis of these costs is included in note 7.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

(f) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows:

Leasehold land and buildings Over the period of the lease Office and Computer Equipment 10%-33% according to the nature of the asset Conservation Breeding Stock (agisted) Annual Revaluation

(g) Heritage assets

The Gene Bank is a collection of semen and embryos obtained from rare breeds of cattle, horses, sheep, goats and pigs. It acts as an archive to preserve bloodlines of breeds. Each year additions are made to the archive to ensure that it includes the current characteristics of a breed. The archive is regarded as an irreplaceable resource which cannot be valued with any degree of accuracy and will never be sold. As such it generates no income and so has no realisable value. Therefore it does not have a carrying value in the balance sheet. The costs incurred in maintaining the archive for conservation purposes are written off each year.

(h) Investments

Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in ‘net gains / (losses) on investments’ in the SoFA if the shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably. Other investments are measured at cost less impairment.

(i) Stocks

Stocks comprise genetic resources, which are not part of the Gene Bank, and goods for resale. Genetic resources are valued at the lower of cost of production and market value. Retail stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

(j) Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.

(k) Impairment

Assets not measured at fair value are reviewed for any indication that the asset may be impaired at each balance sheet date. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset’s cash generating unit, is estimated and compared to the carrying amount. Where the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount where the impairment loss is a revaluation decrease.

(l) Leases

Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and the expected useful life of the asset. Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding lease liability using the effective interest method. The related obligations, net of future finance charges, are included in creditors.

Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SoFA on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

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(m) Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service. The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable. The Trust agrees to pay a defined contribution into the employee’s own personal pension scheme for eligible employees. The pension charge represents contributions payable by the Trust for the period. The Trust’s liability is limited to the amount of the contribution. The liability for meeting future pension payments rests solely with the employee’s personal pension scheme.

(n) Tax

The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.

(o) Financial instruments

The Trust enters into only basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other amounts receivable and payable and loans to related parties. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

(p) Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

2 Income from donations and legacies

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2024 2023
£ £
Grants and donations 145,491 151,475
Legacies 398,521 124,199
Membership Subscriptions (including gift aid) 181,700 196,811
725,712 472,485
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Of the income from donations and legacies of £544,012 (2023 - £275,674), £114,895 (2023 - £68,601) was attributable to restricted, £nil (2023 - £34,000) was attributable to designated funds and £429,117 (2023 - £173,073) was attributable to unrestricted funds.

Income from membership subscriptions was attributable entirely to unrestricted funds.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

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3 Income from charitable activities 2024 2023
£ £
Conservation activities (including Support Groups) 81,188 120,708
Income from charitable activities was attributable entirely to unrestricted funds.
4 Income from other trading activities 2024 2023
£ £
Advertising revenue 14,539 22,473
Of the income from other trading activities, £nil (2023 - £194) was attributable to restricted, and £14,539 (2023 -
£22,279) was attributable to unrestricted funds.
5 Income from investments 2024 2023
£ £
Dividends - equities 87,224 95,556
Interest - Fixed interest securities 24,846 18,612
112,070 114,168
----- End of picture text -----

Income from investments was attributable to unrestricted funds in both years.

6 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

2024 2024 2024 2024
Activities
undertaken
directly		 Grant
funding of
activities		 Support
costs		 Total
£ £ £ £
Conservation Activities (includingSupport Group) 277,742 - 145,266 423,008
ARK Magazine 55,922 - - 55,922
333,664 - 145,266 478,930

£29,637 (2023 - £40,527) of the above costs were attributable to restricted funds. £49,298 (2023 - £81,889) of the above costs were attributable to designated funds. £399,995 (2023 - £374,411) of the above costs were attributable to unrestricted funds.

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7 Allocation of support costs 2024 2024 2024 2024
Raising
funds		 Conservation
Activities		 ARK
Magazine		 Total
£ £ £ £
Governance - 17,730 - 17,730
Management salaries and expenses 33,985 67,970 - 101,955
Offce operational costs and utilities 15,920 31,839 - 47,759
Depreciation 3,242 6,483 - 9,725
Professional charges 4,646 9,292 - 13,938
Irrecoverable VAT 3,338 6,676 - 10,014
Other 2,638 5,276 - 7,914
Total 63,769 145,266 - 209,035

Supports costs, except governance costs, have been allocated based on staff time.

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8 Governance costs 2024 2023
Note £ £
Trustees’ remuneration 11 - -
Trustees’ expenses 11 2,326 376
Cost of Trustees’ meetings and the AGM 1,681 537
Auditors’ remuneration 10 7,600 6,100
Legal fees 6,123 4,021
17,730 11,034
9 Net income / (expenditure) for the year 2024 2023
£ £
Net income / (expenditure) is stated after charging / (crediting):
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 9,725 8,764
Operating lease rentals 2,513 2,353
Loss/(gain) on fair value movement of investments (187,644) (33,103)
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10 Auditors’ remuneration

The auditors’ remuneration amounts to an audit fee of £7,600 (2023 - £6,100) and other services of £13,938 (2023 - £13,042).

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

11 Trustees’ and key management personnel remuneration and expenses

The Trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2023 - £nil).

The total amount of employee benefits (these benefits include employer’s national insurance and pension costs) received by key management personnel is £173,590 (2023: £176,911). The Trust considers its key management personnel to comprise the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Finance and Operations.

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Four trustees (2023: One) were reimbursed expenses as follows: 2024 2023
£ £
Travel 1,760 122
Accommodation 566 254
2,326 376
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12 Staff costs and employee benefits

The average monthly number of employees and full time equivalent (FTE) during the year was as follows:

2024 2024 2023 2023
Number FTE Number FTE
Raisingfunds 2 2 2 2
Charitable activities 3 3 4 4
Governance 2 2 2 2
7 7 8 8

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The total staff costs and employees’ benefits was as follows: 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 309,932 313,998
Social security 31,963 33,893
Defined contribution pension costs 16,350 15,700
358,245 363,591
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The number of employees receiving total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of over £60,000 per year was as follows:

2024 2023
No. No.
£60,001 - £70,000 1 -
£70,001 - £80,000 - 1
£80,001 - £90,000 - -
£90,001 - £100,000 1 1
£100,001 - £110,000 - -

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13 Tangible fixed assets Short
Leasehold		 Offce &
Equipment		 Conservation
Breeding
Stock
(Agisted)		 Total
£ £ £ £
Cost or valuation:
At 31 December 2023 221,443 168,112 21,710 411,265
Additions - 8,539 - 8,539
Disposals - (1,783) - (1,783)
Revaluation - - (3,180) (3,180)
At 31 December 2024 221,443 174,868 18,530 414,841
Depreciation:
At 31 December 2023 155,145 155,970 - 311,115
Charge for the year 4,440 5,285 - 9,725
Eliminated on disposal - (1,100) - (1,100)
At 31 December 2024 159,585 160,155) - 319,740
Net book value:
At 31 December 2024 61,858 14,713 18,530 95,101
At 31 December 2023 66,298 12,142 21,710 100,150

14 Heritage assets

Heritage assets held are The National Archive Gene Bank and no value has been placed on this asset.

These assets are significant to the charity in order to safeguard the future of rare breeds. Expenditure to acquire preserve and develop The National Archive Gene Bank in the year was £74,669 (2023 - £71,318).

Fixed asset investments Listed
Investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 31 December 2023 3,122,137
Additions 1,012,552
Disposals (695,279)
Revaluation 187,644
At 31 December 2024 3,627,054
~~Investments at fair value comprise:~~ 2024 2023
£ £
Equities & unit trusts 3,580,129 3,064,843
Cash within investment portfolio 46,925 57,294
3,627,054 3,122,137

15 Fixed asset investments

The fair value of listed investments is determined by reference to the mid-market value of the unit trusts or quoted share price.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

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16 Stocks 2024 2023
£ £
Semen for sale 6,360 9,000
Merchandise stock 17,670 19,848
24,030 28,848
17 Debtors 2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 9,595 15,137
Amounts owed by support groups 11,526 14,453
Prepayments and accrued income 48,698 82,531
Taxes recoverable 6,438 4,804
76,257 116,925
18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 13,705 13,870
Other tax and social security 8,866 9,325
Other creditors 3,205 2,838
Accruals 35,985 37,712
61,761 63,745
19 Leases
Operating leases – lessee
Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases
are as follows: 2024 2023
£ £
Not later than one year 2,963 2,353
Later than one and not later than five years 10,605 8,364
Later than five years 18,702 20,130
32,270 30,847
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20 Fund reconciliation Balance at
31
December
2023		 Income Expenditure Transfers Gains /
(losses)		 Balance at
31
December
2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted 1,095,080 818,614 (608,802) (49,731) 186,961 1,442,122
Designated Funds
Gene Bank 2,000,000 - (46,231) 46,231 - 2,000,000
Conservation – Breed Stock
(Agisted)		 21,709 - - - (3,180) 18,529
Property improvement fund 132,000 - - - - 132,000
Lop Fund 8,951 - (3,067) - - 5,884
Website development - - - 40,000 - 40,000
2,162,660 - (49,298) 86,231 (3,180) 2,196,413

Unrestricted funds description

Unrestricted funds are those funds available for use, at the discretion of the Trustees, in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds description

The archive Gene Bank is held to maintain the Heritage Assets for the benefit of the next generation.

The Conservation Breeding Stock (Agisted), reserve is the value of RBST rare breed stock on loan to livestock keepers to increase rare breed population numbers.

The Property improvement fund relates to the proposed refurbishment of the premises at Stoneleigh Park.

The Lop Fund was created to help support the work in regard to British Lop pigs, along with the donation received from the Gerald Fallowes Discretionary Trust.

The website development fund relates to the intended development of a new RBST website as part of ongoing efforts to increase public engagement, improve access to conservation resources, and support members.

Restricted funds and Trusts

We are extremely grateful to the charitable trusts and foundations that support our work. Some trusts provide general funding, while others prefer to sponsor specific projects as detailed on page 62.

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 December 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Balance at Balance at
31 Income Expend Transfers Gains / 31
December -iture (losses) December
2023 2024
Restricted funds £ £ £ £ £ £
Fund Descriptions
Restricted cattle conservation
N Bailey Albion Fund 2,015 - - - - 2,015
Vaynol project 1,000 - (875) (125) - -
Gloucester project 2,079 - (656) (250) - 1,173
2019 Cattle Campaign 40 24 - - - 64
General Cattle - 20,670 - - - 20,670
Native Project HDH Wills - 20,500 - - - 20,500
Restricted equine conservation
Houserace Betting Levy Board 1,275 - - - - 1,275
Cleveland bay - N Bailey 6,022 - (5,666) (356) - -
Heavy Horse Appeal 2017 19,214 556 - - - 19,770
Marjorie Coote Animal Charity Trust 2,634 - - (143) - 2,491
The Saintbury Trust 1 - - (1) - -
Equine general 3,000 - - - - 3,000
HBLB 3 year conservation programme - 40,540 (5,040) (35,500) - -
Restricted goat conservation
Goat Appeal 1,196 - - - - 1,196
John Spedan Lewis Foundation 1,463 - - - - 1,463
Gene Bank - 1,052 - - - 1,052
Restricted pig conservation
PG Fallowes Lop Project 10,410 18,900 (9,421) - - 19,889
PBA Priority Breeds Appeal 26,497 11,016 (1,279) (125) - 36,109
PF Charitable Trust 1,255 - (1,255) - - -
William Dean Trust 250 - (250) - - -
Black Pig Pot - 500 - - - 500
General - 503 (503) - - -
Restricted sheep conservation
Love a Longwool Appeal 19,686 634 - - - 20,320
Rosie Green Wool Sheep Fund 1,876 - - - - 1,876
Restricted poultry conservation
Luton & District Poultry Group 75 - - - - 75
Restricted Other projects
Somerset Conservation Fund 2 - - - - 2
Conservation general 2,569 - (2,569) - - -
Foundation for Common Land 2,167 - - - - 2,167
Farm Park - Princes Charities Fund 5,705 - (2,123) - - 3,582
Epping Forrest - Fenceless Grazing 58 - - - - 58
Northern Breeds - Raymond Moss Fund 5,000 - - - - 5,000
115,489 114,895 (29,637) (36,500) - 164,247
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21 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds		 Designated
funds		 Restricted
funds		 Total
£ £ £ £
Fixed assets 1,525,742 2,196,413 - 3,722,155
Cash at bank and in hand (115,786) - 157,887 42,101
Other current assets / liabilities 32,166 - 6,360 38,526
Total 1,442,122 2,196,413 164,247 3,802,782

22 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits

Defined contribution pension plans.

The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the period was £16,350 (2023 - £15,700).

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

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Rare Breeds Survival Trust
----- End of picture text -----

Corporate Directory

Charity Reference and Administrative Details: As at the date of this report Charity registration number 269442 Company registration number 01204694

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Rare Breeds Survival Trust
----- End of picture text -----

Patron

His Majesty King Charles III

Nomination Committee

Alison Pope, Steve McMinn, Jan McCourt, James Fanshawe

President

Vacant

Vice Presidents

Miss Elizabeth Buchanan, C.V.O, FRAgS The Earl De La Warr, DL Jimmy Doherty Lord Iliffe

Chief Executive Officer

Christopher Price

Registered office

Avenue Q, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2LG

Auditor

Dafferns Audit Limited One Eastwood Harry Weston Road Binley Business Park, Binley Coventry, CV3 2UB

Trustees

John Atkinson Mark Davies (appointed Jan 2025) Tom Davis (resigned Nov 2024) Tom Fairfax James Fanshawe Catherine Le Grice-Mack Jan McCourt Steve McMinn Roderick Newton (resigned March 2024) Martin Penny (resigned Feb 2025) Ryan Perry Alison Pope (appointed Feb 2025) Dr James Prendergast John Reed Claire Saunders (resigned Feb 2025) Claire Whittle

Conservation and Research Committee

John Atkinson, James Fanshawe, Catherine Le Grice-Mack, Ryan Perry, Steve McMinn, Marcus Bates (British Pig Association – in attendance), Dr James Prendergast, Tom Fairfax, Claire Whittle In attendance: Christopher Price (CEO), Tom Blunt, Tracy Wathen-Jones, Alice Lennox

Legal advisors Lodders LLP 10 Elm Court Arden Street Stratford upon Avon Warwickshire, CV37 6PA

Bankers

Barclays Bank, 48/50 The Parade, Leamington Spa CV32 4DD

Investment managers

Evelyn 45 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BG

Staff

Claire McNicol – Director of Finance and Operations and Company Secretary Tom Blunt – Senior Conservation Advisor Tracy Wathen-Jones – Conservation Adviser Scottish Co-ordinator – Alice Lennox Rachel Peckover – Office Administrator and Accounts Assistant Hannah Roberts – Office Administrator (maternity Leave) Tracey Howe – Office Administrator

Finance and Governance Committee

John Atkinson, Catherine Le Grice-Mack, Alison Pope, Jan McCourt, Steve McMinn In attendance: Christopher Price (CEO), Claire McNicol (Dir F&O)

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65

RBST is incredibly grateful for every single penny donated to its cause by members, donors and supporters, both individuals and organisations. RBST simply would not exist without their generosity.

Whilst we would like to be able to thank everyone by name, due to space and data protection limitations this is not possible.

We would however like to take the opportunity to make special reference to the Trusts who donated funds to RBST in 2024 and all those who so kindly remembered RBST in their Wills.

Trust income in 2024

Betty Phillips Charitable Trust Registered Charity Number 1158964 Dingwall Trust HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust Registered Charity Number 1117747 HR Bull Charitable Trust Registered Charity Number 296133 Hutchinson Charitable Trust Registered Charity Number 1155643 Percy Gerald Fallowes Discretionary Will Trust

Privy Purse Charitable Trust Registered Charity Number 296079 The Ancaster Trust Registered Charity Number 270822 The H J Cooper Trust Registered Charity Number 213668 The Horserace Betting Levy Board The Jill Saint Charitable Trust Registered Charity Number 801355 The Ian Askew Charitable Trust Registered Charity Number 264515

Legacy Income Received 2024

Philip Charles BUTT Margaret Wilson CHISHOLM

Nita FERRAR

David GREENWOOD

Jill HURL Elizabeth LANGLEY Pamela May MILLER Cathleen Eleanor MOORE Elizabeth OUBRIDGE Edward Herbert PEACHMENT Hannah STANLEY Annabelle Vary SWAIN Corinna WILTSHIRE George Edward WOOLFORD

RBST’s Corporate Supporters

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Birch Farm White Park Financial Skyeskyns Ltd Yorkshire Agricultural South of England Marsh Charitable
Solutions Society Agricultural Society Trust
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PETERes HUNTER SEEDS DEVON“<DUVETS Ba Dengie7 LITTLE"5 bet SHEEP
Peter Hunter Edge & Son Devon Duvets Dumfries House Dengie Crops Ltd Little Beau Sheep
Seeds Ltd Butchers Home Farm Ltd
ee <, oul
KellyBrme (MBTh a ERisiecoee ba 1 — -_
BRED TO BE WILD Fun wesives ¢nogestts hapa Pn Wychwood =) Statkraft
Kelly Bronze Royal Ulster Old Hall Farm Incredible Eggs Wychwood Statkraft
Turkeys Agricultural Society Woodton Franchise Ltd Farm
fi [;] 1, ag :| Real Wild Es Shearwelluae
(Veron; SWALEDALE beara Pl
BUTCHERS ISTORING ATURT - VALINE BACKER i
Cliverton Insurance Swaledale Butchers The Real Wild Estates Company Shearwell Data
& Glebe Meadow Fishery
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Rare Breeds Survival Trust
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rbst.org.uk enquiries@rbst.org.uk 024 7669 6551

RBST’s Patron is His Majesty The King

Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England No.01204694. Registered Charity in England and Wales No 269442 and in Scotland OSCR No SC053451

#NativeBreedsForModernNeeds