Picture special - thousands flock to lambing event at Moreton Morrell
SUNSHINE and showers greeted the newborn baby lambs and a record number of visitors as a popular event sold-out at Moreton Morrell College.
The college welcomed more than 5,000 visitors last weekend for its annual Lambing and Animals Weekend event held at Nethermorton Farm with numbers breaking previous attendance records.
The two-day event was filled with farm-themed activities, from meeting the college’s herd of cattle, sitting on tractors and, the highlight for many, the chance to hold baby lambs and see them being born.
Farm manager Daniel Hale and agricultural students from the college were also on hand to answer questions about lambing and life working on the farm.
Visitors also got up close with exotic animals including lizards, reptiles, raccoon dogs and more at the Animal Centre, including the exciting new addition of Dug, the black monitor lizard, who was bought using funds raised at the previous year’s event.
Carpentry students from the college also showcased their woodcarving skills to raise money for charity, Molly Ollys Wishes – which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families with their emotional wellbeing.
More than 15 traders also featured at the weekend’s farmers’ market, which gave visitors the chance to sample and purchase the local food and craft products.
Daniel, who was taking part in his first Lambing and Animals Weekend since joining the college last year, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people in person to the farm for our lambing event.
“We received great feedback with visitors enjoying holding the newborn lambs, meeting our 500 ewes and exploring our beautiful 650-acre farm.
“I would like to
thank the students who
supported our team throughout the weekend. They were exemplary with both the animals and visitors, and demonstrated the breadth of their industry knowledge when answering visitor questions.”
