Current work
A selection of my work and projects:
Navigating farming transition
I work with farms, estates, tenants and conservation organisations to find sustainable and resiliant farming solutions. This might be triggered by a financial need to lower input costs, personal drivers, or by the requirements of agri-environment schemes.
Countryside Stewardship applications
With experience of both SFI and Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship, I can advise on which actions might suit your farming system and aims.
Conservation breeding programme
Vaynols are the UK's rarest cattle breed and the population has been historically highly inbred. I coordinate a bespoke conservation strategy to help the Vaynol Cattle Breeders' Association to ensure the breed's survival
The Farmer Network
I am a freelance project manager for The Farmer Network, a farmer-led not-for-profit organisation operating in Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. Alongside a fantastic team, I deliver sheep health projects and coordinate farmer discussion groups.
Pasture for Life
I am a farmer mentor for the Northern Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes project - working with other farmers in the North Pennines, Lake District, Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales.
Testimonials
Maria Benjamin & John Atkinson
"We have loved working with Ruth over the years. She always brings a great deal of knowledge but also warmth and genuine care to her work. She is a strong creative problem-solver and seems to thrive on challenging situations so is a brilliant asset to any project."
John Rowell & Denise Richardson-Rowell
"We have been working with Ruth for a number of years on various enterprises. Her expertise has been invaluable and allowed us to build up a great variety of Rare Breeds here at Dumfries House Home Farm. Ruth's knowledge on various aspects is excellent and rises to every challenge. Her easy going manner and attention to detail makes it a pleasure to work along side Ruth. Hope we will be working together for many years."
Tullis Matson
"I have known and worked with Ruth for 12 years and can say that her knowledge and experience relating to rare and native breeds is second to none. If I were thinking of taking on rare breeds in the future, I would definitely be seeking advice from Ruth."
Anne Lane
North Ronaldsay Sheep Fellowship (former Secretary)
"I have known and worked with Ruth Dalton for the past eleven years. On behalf of the North Ronaldsay Sheep breeders, she was instrumental in selecting and transporting rams from the island to be placed in mainland flocks. She has been an enormous help in sorting out registration problems within the breed. All in all, Ruth has been a friendly, helpful ally in numerous projects and events."
Education
University of Oxford
Master of Science (Integrative Bioscience) 2002-2003
Animal behaviour, British wildlife conservation
University of Edinburgh
Bachelor of Science (Zoology) 1998-2001
Genetics, Animal behaviour
