Golden Guernsey goats given royal accolade at Tatton Park’s Rare Breed Farm

For the first time in recent history a livestock breed has been selected to receive a special royal title. During the recent visit of the King to Guernsey on 16 July, his first since he ascended the throne, the occasion was marked with a special ceremony renaming Golden Guernsey goats, which are classed as at risk on the rare breeds watchlist, as Royal Golden Guernseys. Tatton Park’s Rare Breed Farm plays a vital role in protecting these animals having Approved Conservation Centre status from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. The extremely dedicated farm team support the important work of the RBST who monitor, save, and promote UK native livestock.

Don’t forget to curtsey!

Jayne Chapman, Farm Manager, will be minding her p’s and q’s around these special “VIGs”, and said: “We are delighted that the Golden Guernsey breed has now received the title of Royal Golden Guernsey, we only hope we don’t have to curtsey every time we go in to feed them”!

Emily’s royal arrivals

The Farm at Tatton have recently heralded the arrival of Emily’s two new Royal Golden Guernsey goat kids, Rose and Ivy. This is a significant boost for the conservation of this breed, listed as a "minority" on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's watchlist and provides visitors to the Farm with the chance to meet these cute little princesses and to see Emily with them, and the other members of her royal family, twin brother Elliott, older sisters Amber and Honey, and dad, Finstock Ben. The new additions to the family not only increase the population but also enhance genetic diversity, crucial for the breed's long-term viability.

Adopt Emily and help with rare breed conservation

Emily and her friends Martha the Middle White pig and Sensation the Shire Horse are part of the Animal Adoption scheme which gives visitors the chance to get up close and spend time with their farmyard friend whilst contributing to the care and upkeep of these rare breed animals. Adopters will receive a ‘farmtastic’ gift package for £35 which includes an official adoption certificate, VIP tickets for two guests to attend a special farm adoption day event, a cuddly toy goat, shire horse or pig (depending on your adopted animal), factsheet, sticker, photocard and regular e-newsletters on your adoptee’s progress. The Adoption pack is also available to buy online from the Tatton Park Charitable Trust’s new website tattonparktrust.org. Most importantly all funds from the adoption scheme support our vital rare breeds conservation programme and help pay for the care of Emily, Sensation and Martha, including food, bedding, health checks, heating and much more.

The Tatton Park Charitable Trust was created to support education, conservation and restoration projects for the benefit of all visitors to Tatton Park. It is a voluntary body run by local trustees, which aims to raise donations and grants to help ensure this special place is here for future generations to enjoy.

Find out more at tattonparktrust.org