National role for rare farm breed volunteer

Lincolnshire’s Tegan Dowler has been elected chair of Young RBST, the national group for young members of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).

The RBST is the national charity working to secure a future for the UK’s rare native breeds of livestock and equines. Young RBST is the charity’s group for 18-35-year-olds with an interest in rare and native breeds.

The group provides a network of advice and support for conservation and farming; a programme of online and face to face as social events and seminars; and a strong voice for young people within RBST.

Ms Dowler became interested in action for the survival of the UK’s rare and native livestock breeds as a teenager, helping with the native British Longhorn cattle and North Ronaldsay sheep on her family’s farm in Lincolnshire.

She became vice-chair of Young RBST in 2021 and remains an active member of RBST’s East of England Support Group alongside her role leading the Young RBST group.

Ms Dowler said: “The group creates an important network for younger people involved in rare breed farming and conservation who are encountering similar experiences and opportunities.

“It’s great to be able to discuss common challenges such as access to land, and finding niche markets for rare breed products like meat and wool.

“I’ve found it really valuable to be part of this forum and get to know other like-minded people from around the UK, while still benefitting from the guidance and expertise of the wider RBST membership through our regional groups.

Breeds like the Lincoln Longwool sheep and British Saddleback pig had much to bring to a sustainable future where farming supports the natural environment, said Ms Dowler.