Hundreds turn out to admire lambs ‘down on the farm’ at college event
There was a definite hint of spring in the air at North Shropshire College.
From dozens of lambs in the lambing shed to a pregnant alpaca and even a broody Kookaburra sitting on eggs, spring had sprung in all its beauty.
The Spring Lambing Day at the Walford Campus, near Baschurch, Shrewsbury brought in hundreds of people.
There was something for everyone at the site whether it was horses to pat, lambs to cuddle or tractors to sit on.
The campus straddles two sides of the Shrewsbury to Baschurch road and on one there was the chance to meet the college’s more exotic pets, including a mob of meercats and birds of prey while on the other it was far more about the farmyard.
And if the lure of the animals was not enough, children could have their faces painted, take part in a welly-wanging competition and enjoy a jump on the bouncy castle. One of the most popular areas was the stables, where children petted Pixie, Hottie and Jack Jones – none of whom seemed to mind the attention.
Among those soaking up the atmosphere in the lambing barn was Jeremy Tinsley, his wife Helen, son Connor, 12 and 10-year-old daughter Abigail. Jeremy, a warehouse operative from Morda, said: “We came here last year and had a really good time. It is fantastic for the family and there is so much to see and do. It is a very good day out and is well worth the entrance fee.”
One of the youngest visitors to the event was one-week-old Molly Flann who was with her mum Kara, father Andrew and big brother Freddie, aged two.
Kara, from Shrewsbury said: “I was a little nervous about bringing her along but she has been fine and we haven’t been anywhere near the sheep and lambs. Freddie was so excited about coming today he was singing Old MacDonald all the way in the car. He loves tractors and we would definitely come again, it is a lovely day out.”
Stephen Smith, from Oswestry, was with his wife Karen and four-year-old Tilly. He said: “This is the first year we have been. We saw the signs and thought it would be a nice day out. We really enjoyed looking at the lambs and sheep and also the horses. It is fantastic value for money. And we were so lucky with the weather.”
Curriculum area manager for land-based learning Katie Ellis, 28, said: the college was delighted with the number of visitors and the way the day had been received.“It has been great to see so many people from the local community come along. We have worked closely with local businesses, such as Moor Farm Shop where the shuttle tractors were put on to bring people down to the site.
“The cuddle corner was great. We had seven lambs for people to hold and it wasn’t just the children wanting to have a go. The whole point of the day is to open up opportunities for people to learn more about farming and the work we do here at the college. Our new shepherdess, Rosie Hetherington, was great telling people all about her flock and explaining things to the children.”
