MARY had a little lamb – but Sparsholt College is having hundreds.

Lambing at the college near Winchester comes earlier than on most farms, with the first batch due in January. The college will be hosting its annual lambing weekend on Saturday-Sunday January 30-31 to share the experience with the community.

The barn doors swing open from 9.30am to 3.30pm for visitors to enjoy first hand and at close quarters the 249 ewes lambing.

An estimated 447 lambs are due in total comprising of 28 sets of triplets, 157 sets of twins and 49 singles.

For many, the Lambing Weekend is the first and perhaps only time they get to see an actual live birth.

College shepherd John Garrett said: “We regularly have visitors who come back year on year as there aren’t many opportunities for the general public to get this close to nature. It is fascinating and a privilege to watch any animals being born and we welcome the opportunity to share this experience widely.”

To ensure that everyone gets a good view, there will be pen-side walkways and a large video screen.

In addition to welcoming the lambs there will also be pony rides, children’s craft activities (including metal sculpting), quizzes and puzzles, pedal tractor grand prix, and tractors and farm machinery to explore which should keep children fully entertained.

New for 2016 is the welly wanging championships. Refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the day.

Admission is £6 per adult and £4 per child (age 3 to 16), under 3’s are free. Two adults and two children (age 3 to 16) can purchase a family ticket for £16.

It is vitally important that pregnant women should not attend this event. With lambing flocks there is always a risk of a disease presence which can cause miscarriage.

Dogs are not permitted and it is college policy that they are not left in vehicles.