Families flock to Lackham to cuddle spring arrivals (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Families flock to Lackham to cuddle spring arrivals
11:00am Saturday 16th March 2013 in News By Anne Moore
A newborn lamb gets to know its mum at Lackham College
More than 2,000 visitors flocked to Wiltshire College, Lackham, for the first of two lambing weekends – despite the wintry weather.
The event, now in its 19th year, attracted families and those involved in the farming industry, with people coming from as far away as Essex to see the animals.
Visitors saw the birth of more than 50 lambs and also some piglets, which were born on Friday afternoon.
Children also enjoyed feeding deer and seeing cows being milked.
Stephanie Stephenson, director of customer services at the college, said: “It was particularly nice to see some former students who met at college and now have their own children returning, showing that it is a real family event.
“Although it was quite cold, people didn’t seem deterred and came wrapped up.
“If anything the puddles, which were as a result of the rain earlier in the week, were a bonus with lots of children really enjoying splashing around in their wellies.”
The weekend was also a highlight for students at the college, who drove people round the farm on tractors and helped with the births.
Ian Revill, director of Lackham campus, said: “The students work night and day at lambing season.
“People only see a small window of that because lambing doesn’t stop when the public go home.
“It’s quite a commitment for the students, but they like the fact that they can show other people what they do and they like welcoming people.
“A lot of young children have never seen anything born before and it’s an opportunity to start thinking about where animals come from.”
As well as the animals, there were fairground rides, bouncy castles and a farm quiz. Stalls were set up selling gifts, plants, farm produce and refreshments.
The college has more than 800 sheep and visitors can see more lambs being born this Saturday and Sunday.
The college will be open from 10am until 5pm with the last entry at 4pm.
Entrance is £20 for a full car, or £6 for adults and £4 for children and concessions.
Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear and pregnant women are advised not to visit the newborn lambs.
