Caroline committed to preserving British livestock

Hewitsons HR director Caroline Lewis is helping to strengthen the bloodlines of rare breeds of sheep through DNA profiling.

Along with her husband Barry, Caroline is dedicated to protecting British livestock as a member of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). The couple have their own flock of sheep at their Northamptonshire home and show their sheep at various agricultural shows throughout the year.

Caroline said: “We’re both interested in all matters relating to the support of rare breeds in this country but our specialist area is definitely sheep.  As well as being members of the RBST we are also Committee members of the Manx Loaghtan Sheep Breeders Group and we are members of the Castlemilk Moorit Sheep Society.”

The couple undertake various activities through the RBST and even ran blood sampling training sessions at their home for a DNA profiling project.

Between 1900 and 1973, 26 native breeds of livestock were lost in the UK but since the RBST was founded in 1973, no native breeds have become extinct. The RBST is the only charity dedicated to conserving British livestock and relies entirely upon its members’ support.

The RBST aims to ensure the survival of native breeds while promoting the important role they play in the conservation of genetic diversity, landscape management, and agriculture and as part of the UK’s heritage and cultural diversity.

To find out more about the RBST visit www.rbst.org.uk

Image: Caroline Lewis with her Manx Loaghtan 2011 Supreme Breed Champion, Lewislox Calla, at the National Traditional & Native Breeds' Show at Melton Mowbray