Hundreds of local families flocked to Reaseheath College in Nantwich this weekend to welcome the first lambs of the season.
The lambing weekends have been a major draw to the college over the past 23 years.
Many visitors return each season to meet the newborns and hopefully to experience a live birth.
The college has a flock of more than 500 expectant ewes which will produce around 1,000 lambs over the next few weeks.
During quiet times in the lambing sheds visitors watched videos of earlier action and saw experts demonstrating the special care required for the delivery and care of the lambs.
There were also demonstrations of sheepdog handling.
Reaseheath shepherd Dan Henderson 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.”
Reaseheath’s Zoo, one of the best at any educational institution in the country, has also been open to the public.
One of the most popular attractions was the new lemur walk through, which allows visitors the chance to get close up to the college’s family of ring tailed lemurs.
Other animals in the collection include meerkats, a tapir, otters, birds of prey, companion animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
Activities included face painting and educational talks by Reaseheath zoo keepers.
There are several food outlets selling Reaseheath produced food and opportunities to buy the college’s cheese and butter, spring flowers and planters.
Julie Manley, who had brought daughter Amelia, four, to meet the lambs, said: “We came last year and knew that we’d enjoy it just as much again.
“The whole day is very good value, with so many activities on offer.
“It’s also a good opportunity for children to learn about the lambing process.”
Brandon Piggott, 14, from Shavington, hopes to study agriculture at Reaseheath and is already helping out on a farm.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed finding out more information about sheep.
“It’s been really interesting and it’s given me more ideas about what I’d like to do when I’m older.”
Reaseheath’s lambing sheds and zoo are open again on March 9 and 10, from 10am – 4pm.
Find out more at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/lambing
(Pic, top, Jessica Price, three, cuddles a lamb)
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