Rare Breeds Survival Trust This project received publicity in the wake of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis in the UK and was supported by the Prince of Wales. Rare Breeds Survival Trust The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is a conservation charity whose purpose is to secure the continued existence and viability of the native farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) of the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1973 by Joe Henson to preserve native breeds; since then, no UK-native breed has become extinct. It maintains a watch list of rare native breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats and poultry, and an approved list of
Shetland animal breeds which was also the ancestor of the Hebridean and North Ronaldsay sheep). Shetlands are classed as a landrace or "unimproved" breed. Although Shetlands are small and slow-growing compared to commercial breeds, they are hardy, thrifty, easy lambers, adaptable and long-lived. The Shetland breed has survived for centuries in difficult conditions and on a poor diet so they thrive in better conditions. Shetlands retain many of their primitive survival instincts so they are easier to care for than many modern breeds. Shetland was the last surviving locality for a type of domestic pig known as the "grice." Small in size yet