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Amners Farm is expecting to welcome thousands of visitors to its annual lambing open days this spring.
The Englefield Estate farm, run by the Webber family, is primarily a hay production enterprise for the equestrian market, but for two weekends a year the family opens up their farm up to the public so they can share in the joys of lambing season.
Now in their 13th year, the weekend events are extremely popular and attract a wide range of ages from young couples to three-generation families. Last year around 275 lambs were born on the farm and more than 9,000 visitors, a third of which were children, took the opportunity to visit the working farm and see the lambing operation in full swing.
This year, the open days are taking place on Saturday April 28th, Sunday April 29th, Saturday May 5th, Sunday May 6th, and Monday May 7th, between 11am and 6pm, with last entry at 5pm. In addition to the lambs, there will be day old chicks to handle and piglets to see.
There will also be a range of rural orientated activities on offer including pony rides, archery, ferret racing, tractor and trailer rides, falconry displays and sheep shearing demonstrations. Rides on the Amnerfield Miniature Railway which weaves around the farm, will also be available, and there will be a pets’ corner, straw play barn and crafts.
Tenant farmer Chris Webber, said: “Our annual lambing open days give us a chance to share a very special time of year for us at the farm.
“The ewes were very good last year, we only had one day when there weren’t many lambs born. We synchronise the ewes so they give birth over our open weekends, but they prefer to wait until the evening or night time, so you never really know how many will be born each day.
“I’ve seen thousands of lambs born, and it’s amazing every time, you never tire of it.”
He added: “The lambing days are very hard work, but it’s a way for us to generate income for the farm and it’s so nice to be able to give people the opportunity to be part of the experience and get up close to the animals.
“We enjoy welcoming people on to our farm and we hope the range of other activities on offer will provide ample amusement for a whole day of fun.”
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, or refreshments from the farm café will be available.
Entry is £7.50 per adult or £6 in advance, and £5 per child or £4.50 in advance, or £23 per family (two adults, two children) or £20 in advance.
Amners Farm is located just outside Burghfield near Reading.
For the safety of the animals, no dogs are permitted on site. Pregnant women are advised not to attend lambing days.
For more information and for advance booking visit, www.amnersfarm.co.uk or phone 01189 833437.
