Lambing experience day
One of our most popular experiences, this is a chance to experience the magic of a 200 acre Organic hill farm at lambing time.
Experience Details
Hands on lambing experience
Bottle feed lambs
Farmhouse lunch included.
5 hour experience
What to expect
You will join Nicola and Paul for the day and get hands-on learning all about the different aspects of lambing outdoors. The informal, action packed day will include us sharing how we farm here at Aberhyddnant and why we chose to lamb outdoors, then you will have a chance to put our theory into practice out on the farm whilst enjoying the stunning views across the Brecon Beacons.
We have approximately 350 ewes here at Aberhyddnant and during your experience day we will cover the full lambing cycle, caring for pregnant sheep, recognising labour, common problems and the everyday tasks at lambing time. You should experience at least one live birth during the day (but as with any animal, nothing can be guaranteed). If births do happen during the day, you will have the opportunity to get really hands-on (if you want to!).
There will also be time in the nursery where you will find any new mums and lambs that have had problems during or after lambing and orphaned lambs who need bottle feeding (and cuddles!).
The schedule of the day will be flexible around what is happening out in the fields at the time. You will also have an opportunity to see the other animals on the farm and collect some fee range eggs from our Organic chickens to take home with you. Whilst you are here you will have plenty of opportunities to ask any questions about organic farming, sheep, our alternative energy initiatives or anything else.
A two course farmhouse lunch is provided as well as refreshments throughout the day. You will leave the farm with a lambing information sheet as well as a heart full of memories.
Spaces are limited with only six places available to book on each day, this ensures that you get the best hands on lambing experience possible as well as ensuring the well-being of the sheep. Booking as early as possible is advised as this experience gets full well in advance.
Who is this experience for?
This experience is suitable for complete beginners – no previous stock handling experience is required – with a keen interest into what really happens at lambing time. It is also an informative course for sheep keepers with smaller flocks and limited experience who are looking to learn more about lambing time.
This experience is for people age 16 and over. Our Junior lambing experience is perfect for families.
Need to Know
-
Anyone who is pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or has a partner who is expecting, should read the following health guidelines from the NHS. It is recommended that you do not visit us during lambing time - https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/why-should-pregnant-women-avoid-sheep-during-the-lambing-season/
-
Due to the nature of this experience it is real life and there will probably be a few moments that are best avoided by the squeamish.
-
We have scheduled our experience dates to give you the best chance of witnessing a birth, but lambing is an unpredictable business and we cannot guarantee it.
-
You will need to be happy to wear old clothes and get dirty – we recommend over trousers. (Kneeling in sheep poo or cuddling a lamb is virtually guaranteed).
-
Wellies or walking shoes are recommended, wellies are preferable during wetter months as we will be walking around the farm crossing streams on potentially muddy terrain.
-
If you would like to get hands on we ask that you have short fingernails. We reserve the right to protect the sheep’s welfare at all times.
-
All experience days are photographed and videoed, booking for this experience will be taken as informed consent in advance. These photographs will be forwarded to you as a memento of your experience. Please let us know if you would prefer not to be photographed.
-
To ensure the well-being and welfare of the sheep and the quality of the experience the group sizes are kept small therefore unfortunately we do not allow bystanders on the experience.
-
Experiences start at 9.30am and last approximately 4-5 hours depending on activities.
-
Please note that there are friendly dogs on the farm. Your own dogs are sadly not welcome for this experience due to the possible stress levels for the sheep.
-
The experience is conducted with small groups so early booking is advisable if you have a particular date in mind.
-
Undated gift certificates are also available in our shop.
-
Please see our terms and conditions. By booking this experience you are agreeing to the terms and conditions.
