Review of 'Lambing & Zoo Weekends'

https://reaseheath100.com/events/lambing-5-march/

During these weekends (two weekends in a row in early March) you are able to visit the lambs and other livestock at Reaseheath College. The college is a short distance north of Nantwich and tickets for the event (£8 for adults, children 3 and over/Concessions £5, family, 2 adults and up to 3 children £25, under 3 years are free) sell out very quickly so it is important to grab them when they become available early every year.

Parking for the event is free and you will be directed to where you can park when you arrive at the college (follow the directions to the college given on your ticket as you need to enter the site by a particular gate) then you follow the very clear directions to the event itself where your ticket will be checked. Immediately on entry there is a small “farmers” market selling a few things to eat but we only spotted one stall selling vegetables/fruit (and that was a food delivery subscription company) but do go into the building where the college is selling fresh cheese, butter and baked goods…Very nice.

Beyond the market are the livestock sheds where we were able to see the cows being milked by a robot.

Beyond this are a series of three sheds containing heavily pregnant ewes grouped together based on how many lambs they were due to give birth. During our visit there were no births but we were told there was one much earlier in the morning. There is the opportunity to have your picture (or, more likely your child's picture) taken holding a lamb. You can purchase pictures taken by a photographer here or take your own, as you wish.

The small college zoo (in the “Animal Management Centre”) is also open during these weekends and is only a short walk away (following the signs) with both indoor and outdoor exhibits along with very short periodic talks from the keepers.

This weekend is very much geared to children (or children at heart) with a lot of fun activities for the young ones but older visitors can learn quite a bit about lambing and other farming activities with very helpful staff on hand to answer questions (and lots of boards with additional information).

A really interesting event and certainly recommended for anyone interested in farming or lambs though it would be nice to have a bit more stalls in the market and, of course, lambs being born while we visit!

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2022-03-05

Location: Nantwich (England)

Address: Reaseheath College Nantwich Cheshire, CW5 6DF ENGLAND

Telephone: +44 (0) 1270 625131

URL: https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/

Reaseheath College is one of the UK’s leading specialist land-based colleges based in Nantwich, Cheshire. We offer a range of full-time diplomas, apprenticeships and degrees, ideal for those looking for an exciting career in the land-based industries. (from web site)