Lambing weekend sees 96 new arrivals (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Lambing weekend sees 96 new arrivals

6:40pm Tuesday 2nd February 2010 in

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HUNDREDS flocked to a college near Winchester for its popular annual lambing weekend.

Families descended on Sparsholt College last Saturday and Sunday to watch the new lambs being born and learn about the process.

Shepherd John Garrett provided commentary to visitors as he oversaw the birth of 96 lambs — the flock was expected to deliver 600 in total — over the weekend.

Talking about the appeal of the event, he said: "I think it’s the new life, the new birth, it’s always a family day out, there’s always something for the family and kids to see.

"It’s really informative for the young children, it’s where life starts and how the birthing process works. It perhaps triggers off questions for the parents later in the day."

There was a host of other activities as well as the lambing.

Visitors — totalling 1,900 over the two days — were also able to see some shepherding, the college’s dairy, and some farm machinery.

Activities included a quiz, horse grooming and tractor rides.