Spotting Longhorn cattle is magic at Shugborough

English Longhorn cattle have grazed Staffordshires Shugborough Estate for over
200 years and now visitors to the UK's only complete working historic estate can
discover more about this ancient herd than ever before.
A new open-air exhibition launched this month not only offers plenty of facts and
figures, and information, about the breed - but also a chance to have a go at spotting
some of the individuals within the herd, to learn about their distinctive personalities.
Even better, visitors can now see the herds latest additionPerseus, a new-born calf
fathered by Shugboroughs new pedigree longhorn bull Magic. Three-years-old
Magic - a big hit with staff and visitors alike - joined the herd late last year to help
ensure the next generation of longhorns, and young Sherbrook Perseus is his first.
The story of the herd, and the personalities among them, is told in the outdoor
exhibition, situated adjacent to the actual herd on the Arboretum. It is set to run from
now, until October 2015.
It features colourful boards revealing a host of information, such as the fact that the
pedigree name for the herd is Sherbook - named after the stream which crosses the
estate - and each animal born is given that title followed by a name beginning with a
letter of the alphabet, which changes every year. This years calves due between
now and August will all be given names beginning with P, followed by Q in 2016 which might prove a little tricky!
The exhibition also tells the story of longhorns on the Estate, from the role the Anson
family played in the development of the breed and their near extinction in the 1970s
to the active role the herd now plays in conserving the Grade One Listed park. And
there is even a handy guide on how to spot some of the key individuals in the herd
from Magic himself to Justine, Doris and Nancy!
The Shugborough Estate is managed by Staffordshire County Council and its
Georgian farm is one of only 20 Rare Breeds Survival Trust Farm Parks in the UK.
Many of their animals are rare British livestock breeds in danger of extinction, but
thanks to its work, and other farms, the future of these once endangered Longhorn
cows is more secure.
Much more than a stately home, Shugborough offers a fun-packed family day out
and a chance to travel back to a bygone age. Set in parkland the mansion house,
working Victorian servants quarters and Georgian farm, dairy and mill are brought to
life by costumed characters. Visit www.shugborough.org.uk for details.
Ends
For further information, and photo-opportunities, please contact:
Corinne Caddy. Tel: 01889 881388, E-mail: corinne.caddy@staffordshire.gov.uk