Rare sheep breed 'at risk of dying out'

The Leicester Longwool sheep breed has been added to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's "priority" category

A rare breed of sheep is at risk of dying out, animal experts have said.

The Leicester Longwool has been added to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's (RBST) priority category in its latest watchlist, meaning it is in the most urgent need of action to ensure its survival.

RBST said the sheep, known for their very long woolly fleece and dark "blue" ears, had "seen significant declines in the number of dams producing pedigree offspring, continuing negative trends of recent years".

In 2024 the number of longwool dams producing pedigree progeny was down 29% on the previous year, it added.

Action urged

The trust's chief executive, Christopher Price, said: "Our concern is deepening for others among the UK's irreplaceable native breeds which are seeing their numbers continue to fall, including the Leicester Longwool sheep.

"The sheep continue to provide nutritious and sustainable food, and highest quality fibre, to this day, as well as playing an important role in sustainable habitat management projects.

"RBST will be working closely with the breeds' societies as we seek to reverse these declines."

The trust has called for the environment secretary to re-establish the Ministerial Native Breeds Roundtable, which worked across departments and external organisations to support rare breeds.

In response, a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "Native and rare breeds of livestock provide genetic diversity and are an important part of our rural heritage.

"We will continue to protect our native breeds through the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier, providing funding to support their grazing habitats, and we will keep working closely with stakeholders to support the sector."