About the Association of British Reindeer Herders
The Association of British Reindeer Herders was founded to unite reindeer owners and herders, providing a collective voice and a platform for collaboration. Our members include private keepers, farmers, herders, and professionals who share a commitment to the welfare and sustainability of reindeer in the UK.
Our Mission
- To promote the highest standards of reindeer health and welfare.
- To share knowledge and expertise among reindeer owners.
- To represent the interests of UK reindeer keepers in matters of policy and regulation.
- To foster a supportive and professional community.
Committee
Our committee is made up of experienced reindeer owners who volunteer their time to guide the association and serve its members.
Angela Nelson
Real Reindeer
Association Chair
Angie has been caring for reindeer for over 17 years and now manages a herd of 40. Throughout this time, she has been deeply committed to advancing reindeer husbandry in the UK- from developing improved feeding regimes to working closely with veterinarians to trial new veterinary practices. Recently, Angie attended the USA Reindeer Conference to share knowledge and learn from reindeer owners around the world. She has also delivered talks at veterinary schools, helping to educate future vets about the unique care and management of reindeer.
Jessica Nelson
Association Industry Liaison
Jessica has grown up surrounded by reindeer and has been involved in their care from an early age. Her passion for the species has taken her from spending time with the Sámi people in Scandinavia to representing English reindeer owners at the British Deer Veterinary Association Conference when she was just 17. Now in her final year of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, Jess continues to combine her academic studies with her lifelong interest in reindeer.
Sarah Crane
Reindeer2Hire
Association Member Benefits
Sarah is based in Oxfordshire and is involved through a passion for sharing these beautiful animals with the public to enthral and to educate.
Emma Bunting
The Reindeer Hire Company
Association Treasurer
Emma is a later-in-life farmer who, together with her husband Daniel, whose family has been farming on the Essex/Suffolk border for the past 200 years, has been breeding and raising their herd of reindeer for the past 16 years. Now, with fourth- and fifth-generation reindeer on their farm, they are delighted to share their skills, knowledge, and experience in animal husbandry and welfare with the wider public through visits to schools, care homes, SEND settings, as well as film and TV work.
Sarah Sutton
Somerset Reindeer Ranch
Association Secretary
Sarah is the founder of Southwest Reindeer Ltd, based on her picturesque Somerset Reindeer Ranch — home to an award-winning magical Christmas experience. For over 15 years, she and her family have cared for and bred reindeer, now proudly into their fifth generation. A former military professional, Sarah brings integrity, commitment, and genuine care to everything she does. Through educational programmes with the Department for Education, her mission is to share the magic of these gentle, intelligent creatures and inspire respect and wonder for reindeer everywhere.
