Return of the natives

We all need a little good news right now, so here’s three reasons to add some cheer to our daily lives

- Adam Henson

We’re a nation of animal lovers, there’s no denying that. So if you’re a fan of our four-legged, furry or feathered friends, here’s a little test for you. Try to work out what the following have in common: Bagot goats, Vaynol cattle and Border Leicester sheep... No points for knowing they’re all British farm breeds or for spotting that I’ve featured them all at one point or another on Countryfile over the years.

The answer I was looking for is that they’re all native livestock on the rare and traditional breeds list. What’s more, in the latest census of breeding numbers, they’ve all seen a welcome increase. This is excellent news and a great tribute to all the breeders, landowners and enthusiasts who work so hard to promote their respective flocks and herds.