Janine GriffithsFive calves belonging to one of Britain’s rarest cattle breeds have been welcomed at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm in East Leeds.
The Vaynol calves were all born during the past month, adding to a breed with a UK population of only around 150 animals.
Vaynol cattle are classed as a “priority” breed by the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) and can currently be found at just five locations across the country.
The breed originated in North Wales and was first established during the late 19th century.
Temple Newsam’s Vaynol cattle are directly descended from that original herd and have been based at the East Leeds estate since the 1980s.
Work carried out after the herd arrived at Temple Newsam has since proved valuable to the breeding programme run by the RBST.
Home Farm now has one Vaynol bull, 14 breeding cows and five heifers, which are females that have not yet had a calf.
The five latest arrivals have further increased the size of the herd.
Farm manager Richard Aldis said the team was delighted by the births and the calves were settling into their new surroundings.
He said: “We’re so thrilled to have welcomed these little ones to the farm.
“The team here works hard to protect these rare breeds that the farm is home to and it’s always wonderful when we can successfully grow the herd.
“The calves are settling in well and we’re just thinking about names for them.”
Temple Newsam is one of Europe’s largest rare breed farms, with all the breeds kept there native to the UK.
Other animals at the farm include white faced woodland sheep, middle white pigs and Bagot goats.
Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, welcomed the births and praised the work being carried out at Home Farm.
He said: “It’s wonderful to hear the news about these rare little calves being born, it is truly a testament to the important work that is done by the team at Temple Newsam’s Home Farm in preserving these breeds for future generations.”
The wider Temple Newsam estate also includes Temple Newsam House, a bike park and the recently opened play barn.
Support independent community journalism!
East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.
Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.
East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.
Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.
Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.
