Thousands flock to Lackham college for the first of two lambing weekends (From Wiltshire Times)

Thousands flock to Lackham college for the first of two lambing weekends

3:00pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Wiltshire

More than 2,000 visitors flocked to Wiltshire College, Lackham, for the first of two lambing weekends.

The event, now in its 19th year, attracted young families and those involved in the farming industry, with one family arriving to see the animals from Essex.

Visitors saw the birth of more than 50 lambs and also some piglets, born on Friday afternoon, while children also enjoyed feeding the deer and seeing the cows milked.

Stephanie Stephenson, director of customer services at the college said: “It was particularly nice to see some former students who now have their own children returning.

“Although it was quite cold, people didn’t seem deterred and came wrapped up.”

Matthew and Rebecca Bacon, of Chippenham, met when they were students at the college, and had returned for the first time with their daughters Emily, three, and Lilly May, 15 months.

Mrs Bacon said: “Emily really loved the lambs, and Lilly was quite pleased to see them as well. We’ll definitely be back next year, it was a lovely morning.”

The weekend was also a highlight for students at the college, who gave tractor rides round the farm and helped with the births.

Ian Revill, director of the campus at Lackham, said: “The students work night and day at lambing season.

“It’s quite a commitment for the students, but they like the fact that they can show other people what they do and they like welcoming people along.”

As well as the animals, there were fairground rides, bouncy castles and a farm quiz. Stalls were set up selling gifts, plants, farm produce and refreshments.

The college has more than 800 sheep and visitors can see more lambs born next weekend.

For more information, visit www. lackhamfarm.co.uk/lambing

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