Crowds flock to Oaklands for Lambing Weekend 2017

Thousands of visitors dropped in to see the new furry faces at Oaklands College this weekend as the College hosted its annual Lambing Weekend event. 

The farm-focused event saw the college open its doors to the crowd to give them a unique insight into lambing season and meet its newborn additions. 

Visitors were able to see the latest editions to the flock along with the College’s wide variety of other animals, including sheepdogs, goats and pigs, chicks and emus. 

Some were fortunate enough to witness ‘Live Lambing’ as 14 lambs made their way into the world during the two-day event delivered by farm manager Del Knowles and the College’s agriculture students whilst the barns were open to visitors. 

Agriculture students Ollie Dunn and James Ryan were on hand on Saturday to deliver twin female lambs from a Masham breed during the afternoon to the amazement of the crowd. A video of the event shared by the College on social media has racked up 1700 views over the course of the weekend. 

 Some of the College’s agricultural students are on call on campus during the day and night during the busy lambing period for about four weeks to assist with all the new born lambs.

Farm Manager Del Knowles said: “Now in its sixth year, our Lambing event is a great chance to see our students step up and share their knowledge and passion for farming with our visitors. 

“However we are a working farm and the reality is their experience is valued day in day out in helping me care for our animals. Lambing Weekend is a great way to share a little of our world at Oaklands with the local community.”

Oaklands Chief Executive and Principal Zoe Hancock said: “It was great once again to welcome the local community to see such a valuable part of life at Oaklands. Thank you to our visitors but also our staff and students who gave up their time to support a true community event.”  

Around one third of the College’s 150 Ewes remain left to left to lamb, as the season can run anytime up to late April or early May.