Wiltshire College & University Centre’s popular Lambing Weekends returned to the Lackham campus this month as four enjoyable family fun days took place.
Lambing has been an annual event on the WCUC calendar since the early 1990s. After initially running as a one-day activity, it has grown to four separate events held across the final two weekends in March at the two working farms at the campus – Home Farm and Notton Farm.
Although recent wet weather made conditions a little muddy underfoot, the events once again proved to be a huge success and were sold-out at their wet-weather capacity. Around 7,000 visitors were in attendance across the four dates.
Phil Steans, Farm and Estate Manager at Lackham, said: “This year’s Lambing Weekends were a huge success once again. We know many people in the local community and beyond really enjoy coming to these events and the feedback we received both on the day and since has been hugely positive. We’re so pleased to be able to put them on.
“Although we didn’t quite see the glorious sunshine we experienced 12 months ago, the atmosphere at all four days was amazing and everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves. It was wonderful to see so many families having fun and getting to experience some of the things that take place day-to-day on a working farm.”
In addition to seeing new-born lambs, visitors were also able to see the farm’s dairy cows being milked – including in the cutting-edge robotic dairy – and see a range of other small and farmyard animals.
Another highlight for visitors was taking the tractor and trailer ride between the two farms, while a variety of children’s activities, food stalls and other stands were located around the campus.
Staff and students from across WCUC all got involved in the events, with 45 students who are on land-based or animal studies courses at Lackham volunteering to work in various roles.
Phil added: “I would like thank everyone who attended these events. Your continued support really does make the weekends worthwhile and enjoyable for us all.
“I’d also like to thank the many staff and students who gave up their time to work at the events and helped to make them such a success. Students did a great job of driving the visitors around the farm using tractors, whilst other students talked to the public and sold refreshments and produce.
“Our agriculture students have also been working extremely hard, not just delivering and looking after the lambs during the weekends, but 24 hours a day right through lambing season over the past few weeks.”
To find out more about the range of courses WCUC offers at Lackham, visit the final Open Day of the year at the campus on Tuesday 2nd May from 5pm-7pm. Attendees must register in advance by clicking here.
