There’s a new bull on the block at a popular farm in Leeds

Home Farm at Temple Newsam has welcomed a new member of the family from Dumfries House in Scotland, a Vaynol bull called Rothesay Ziggy. He is now happily running with the Templeson herd and the team at Temple Newsam are optimistic that they will see calves from him next spring.

Vaynol bulls are the rarest breed of cattle in the UK and are listed as category 1 ‘critical’ on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) watchlist, with numbers currently less than 150 in the UK.

The herd was established at Vaynol Park near Bangor in 1872 and was relocated to Temple Newsam in 1980. Herds of Vaynol cattle have since been moved to Lincolnshire and Scotland as a precaution in the event of a disease outbreak, but the RBST and Leeds City Council remain the only two owners of the breed in the UK.

A group of rams have also joined the Home Farm family for the rare breed sheep flocks. These will be on display in the farm yard and will be going out with the flocks in the coming weeks.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for Environment and Active Lifestyles, said:

“We were delighted to welcome another amazing Vaynol bull to the Temple Newsam family. These bulls are extremely rare and we’re very lucky to have a herd of them here in Leeds. It’s great to see that Rothesay Ziggy has settled in well, as have the new rams that we have also welcomed to the farm. With so many wonderful animals to see, Home Farm at Temple Newsam continues to be a great place for all the family to visit.”

Notes to editors:

Temple Newsam is a stunning estate encompassing a country house, traditional working farm and landscaped parkland. Popular with families, the farm is one of the largest rare breed centres in Europe. Home Farm offers the opportunity to explore life on a real working farm and meet some extraordinary characters. Over 400 sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry and goats are at Temple Newsam, and there is also the chance to enjoy traditional crafts or take part in demonstrations such as butter making and blacksmithing.

The 500-year-old mansion was home to colourful characters, from the notorious Lord Darnley to Georgian beauty Lady Isabella Hertford. Their legacy is visible within the eclectic décor, architecture, furniture, silver and ceramic collections.

Visitors can explore the 1,500 acres of scenic parkland and explore the house from rooftop to cellar on special tours. The lakeside gardens offer a relaxing spot to picnic, while the estate is also known for its Georgian walled garden and striking seasonal displays in the hot houses.

Visitor information including opening times and prices can be found on the Temple Newsam website; https://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/templenewsamhouse/visitor-information

Becky Stubbs, Leeds City Council press office

Tel: 0113 3786199

Email: rebecca.stubbs@leeds.gov.uk