Undeterred by wintry weather, hundreds of local families flocked to Reaseheath College, Nantwich, over the weekend to welcome newly born lambs into the world.
Reaseheath’s sheep flock put on a spectacular show, with ten ewes producing 24 lambs within hours of the opening of the lambing sheds. Visitors enjoyed meeting the the newborns and many were lucky enough to experience a live birth.
Reaseheath’s zoo was also open to the public, offering opportunities for families to see some of the extensive collection of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. A highlight for many was the newly opened walk through the lemur enclosure, allowing close up encounters with these enchanting animals. Visitors could also watch as keepers fed meerkats, capybara and otters.
The lambing weekends, which have been held at Reaseheath for the for the past 22 years, are highly popular with families from Cheshire and surrounding counties and many visitors return each year.
Sophie from Nantwich, who was visiting with daughter Bella-Rose, aged 3, said: “We had a lovely day, so much so that I want to do it all again next week! The vendors are amazing, the staff are so friendly and the animals are well looked after.”
Her friend Sarah, mother to three year-old Robin, added: “We had an amazing day. It’s become our tradition to visit Reaseheath’s lambing weekends together.”
The college has a commercial flock of over 500 ewes which are due to produce around 1,000 lambs over the next month. The majority of births are timed to coincide with the lambing weekends, giving as many visitors as possible the opportunity to see Reaseheath agricultural staff and students delivering and caring for the lambs.
Other activities included demonstrations of sheepdog handling by shepherd Dan Henderson and his dog, Floss. Parking is free and refreshments are available.
Dan said: “We are delighted to welcome visitors to witness this special event. Opening the lambing sheds gives us the chance to show what we do here and to inform the public about the farming calendar.”
Caption: Charlotte Phelps, aged four from Stoke, makes a new friend
