Hundreds of families are expected to flock to Reaseheath College in Nantwich next weekend for the first of two lambing events.
Spring has already arrived in the college’s lambing sheds with the arrival of the first newborns of the season.
The lambing weekends have been a major draw to the college over the past 20 years, with many visitors returning each season to meet the lambs and hopefully experience a live birth.
The campus zoo, which is one of the best at any educational institution in the country, is also open to the public.
Both attractions are open on March 5 and 6 (10am to 4pm) and again on March 12 and 13.
The college has a flock of 500 expectant ewes which will produce 1,000 lambs before the end of the month.
Three sets of quads and 59 sets of triplets are expected.
Visitors can also watch a big screen showing highlights and watch experts demonstrating the special care required for delivery and care of the lambs.
Reaseheath’s zoo houses more than 1,000 animals including meerkats, lemurs, tapirs, otters, birds of prey, companion animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, reptiles and amphibians. Activities include face painting and educational talks by Reaseheath zoo keepers.
Sheep unit manager Ollie Bagley, 23, a former agriculture student, is in charge of the lambing flock.
He said: “Lambing is traditionally the first sign of spring and this event is always very popular.
“Opening the lambing sheds gives us the chance to show what we do here.
“As well as giving the public the unique experience of seeing lambs being born, it is also a great opportunity for us to tell them about the farming calendar and about the food on their plate.”
A family ticket for both attractions is £25.
Find out more at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/lambing
(Pic: Below, Reaseheath sheep unit manager Ollie Bagley with sheepdog Nel)
Recent Comments