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Conservationist who helped save Gloucester cattle breed dies

BBC Eric Freeman in a top hat wearing white with a red neckerchief at a history festival. He stands in front of an old blue wagon.BBC
Eric Freeman was known for being passionate about orchard wassails, vintage farm wagons, local fruit varieties and Morris dancing

One of the founders of the British rare breeds movement, who was instrumental in saving Gloucester cattle, has died.

Conservationist Eric Freeman also reared Cotswold sheep and Old Spots pigs on his farm at Taynton.

The 91-year-old was a regular for many years on BBC Radio Gloucestershire, with his Freeman of the Farm feature.

In 2013, Mr Freeman received a lifetime achievement award from King Charles III.

At the time, Mr Freeman said: "I must have got this award for perseverance I suppose."

In 1972, when Gloucester cattle were near to extinction he and some friends went to an auction where the last herd was up for sale, and decided to save them.

"Lose the breed, and lose all the things they mean to Gloucestershire," he said.

Clifford Freeman A herd of Gloucester Cattle, one looking at the cameraClifford Freeman
Eric Freeman was instrumental in saving Gloucester cattle

Mr Freeman loved animals, saying he "could not see life without animals around him".

He was also known for being passionate about orchard wassails, vintage farm wagons, local fruit varieties and Morris dancing.

Alan Lyons, a former show manager at the Royal Bath & West Show, once described Mr Freeman as a hero.

"As an 11 year old, when I met Eric Freeman, it was very exciting. But you couldn't get posters for your wall of Eric Freeman," he said.

And Countryfile presenter and farmer Adam Henson previously said Eric Freeman had a "big place in his heart".

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