A new fashion (From Wiltshire Times)

A new fashion

Bob and Lesley Rawlins from Wellground Farm, near Westbury, own a large herd of prize-winning alpacas. Here they explain the benefits to other smallholders.

It may seem an unlikely choice, but the alpaca is becoming an increasingly popular fixture on farms and smallholdings around the UK, as more and more people are discovering the benefits of owning such an animal. They have been catapulted from relative obscurity to an accepted agricultural enterprise recognised by DEFRA and Planning Authorities, who now regard alpaca farming as a viable business venture.

Like sheep or horses, alpacas are happy grazing in the British climate and a good quality fleece can be readily sought-after within fashion industries in countries all over the world.

One couple in particular who have long fallen for the charms of these fascinating creatures are Bob and Lesley Rawlins, who today are the proud owners of a large herd of alpacas.

Based at Wellground Farm in Bratton, near Westbury, nestled just below the famous Westbury White Horse, Bob and Lesley have been breeding alpacas since 1999 and have built an enviable reputation for their commitment to quality.

All of their alpacas are highly regarded within the industry, exhibiting all the fine characteristics we have come to associate with an exceptionally bred alpaca.

Alpacas are originally native to South America where they happily roamed the Andes and high terraces in Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Here they were kept in a similar environment as we keep a herd of sheep except they were ushered inside the protection of pens at night.

In recent years, however, people of the Andes have begun to recognise the value of breeding high quality animals that produce an exceptional fleece, which can then be sold to a market outside of South America where there is a high demand of people willing pay a good price for quality.

Bob and Lesley were one of the first couples in the UK to try their hand at alpaca farming, starting with a typical smallholding of just six acres with no other buildings other than some timber stables. They then began breeding alpacas using only the finest specimens they could source, which has not only procured them with an outstanding herd of impeccable quality, but one Canadian Log Cabin later and they now bear the credential of one of the UK's first purpose-built alpaca farms.

As such Bob and Lesley have given hope to other smallholders with the dream of living on their small pocket of land with their animals, and Bob and Lesley have been working closely with many other applicants regarding agricultural occupancy commission related to sound business ventures involving alpaca farming.

For those looking to expand their herd, or are starting from scratch, Wellground Farm offers a number of fine alpacas which boast all the excellent qualities highly regarded within the breed. Bob and Lesley also offer a stud service with their handsome chap Arunvale Cloud who offers good value for money whilst retaining the highest qualities in a stud male alpaca.

Living on the farm is also Bob and Lesley's stunning Wellground Farleigh, pictured above with Lesley, who won the Supreme Champion Award at Europe's biggest alpaca show, the Royal Bath and West Show, which has been a superb culmination of all the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the couple.

For further information please contact Bob and Lesley on (01380) 830431 or email alpacas@wellground.com Alternatively why not visit the website at www.wellground.com