Sacrewell: preserving rare breeds

Sacrewell sits on the edge of the most fertile farming land in the country and was once the home of a pioneering farmer who experimented with all sorts of new methods to produce food more effectively

Now, the William Scott Abbott Trust which owns the 550- acre farm near Wansford, is working with farmers to preserve the breeds of animal that were once abundant in the area. Already home to Lincoln Longwool sheep and British Lop and British Landrace pigs, the visitor centre is now stabling Gateridge Appleblossom, a Suffolk Punch horse on loan from Gateridge Suffolks in Northamptonshire. Site Operations Manager Richard Hadfield explains:

‘Suffolks are classed as critically endangered by the Rare Breed Survival Trust, which means there are fewer than 300 horses left and numbers are declining. We think it’s vital as an agricultural education charity to work with farmers to preserve our local rare breeds.’

Suffolks were bred to pull ploughs over the flat lands of the Fenlands and beyond. They’re recognisable for their chestnut colouring, muscular bodies and short, stocky legs – perfect for ploughing. But, like many other heavy horse breeds, Suffolks went out of favour after the Second World War when tractors took over their work. By 1996, only 11 Suffolk foals were born and extinction of the breed was imminent – which is when the Suffolk Horse Society stepped in with the aim to ‘preserve and promote the Suffolk horse’.

Thanks to their friendly nature and diverse skills, Suffolks can be seen in the show ring, taking part in cross-country events and timber hauling in sensitive woodlands among other things, but the battle isn’t over. Richard adds:

‘We’re in touch with the Suffolk Horse Society and will be working closely with them in the future, ensuring we raise awareness of the breed and their links to our agricultural heritage. It would be wonderful to think that we might be able to start a breeding programme here at Sacrewell, but that’s a long way down the line.’

Since her arrival at Sacrewell, Apple has proved to be a big hit with staff, visitors and volunteers at Sacrewell. Richard added: ‘The aim is to get the horses out on the farm, showing what they can do through demonstrations, allowing people to get close to them and appreciate their importance in the history of farming.’ You’ll be able to see working horses in action at Sacrewell’s Harvest Festival on 17 and 18 September.

For more information and updates on Apple, follow Sacrewell on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by searching @Sacrewell

A full history of Sacrewell can be read at www.sacrewell.org.uk  

About Sacrewell
In 1964 the William Scott Abbott Trust was formed with aims to advance all forms of agricultural practices on Sacrewell Farm and to provide educational facilities to the general public. To reinforce these aims Sacrewell visitor centre was opened. Sacrewell Farm is set on 550 acres of land, of which Sacrewell accounts for a small proportion. In guidance with the Trust, all profits made at Sacrewell are reinvested into the upkeep, the livestock and the heritage buildings. Sacrewell is an established award-winning farm attraction. There are a variety of animals, heritage buildings and displays set in 50-acres which bring to life the history of the farm and enable adults and children to discover the importance of food and farming. Other organisations that are based on Sacrewell Farm include PGRO (Processors and Growers Research Organisation) and Riverford Organic Farms.