Lambing season to behold at Sparsholt College

NOTHING warms the heart more than a new-born lamb and visitors to Sparsholt College this weekend may well be treated to the sight as lambing should be in full swing.

The agricultural college near Winchester will be open to the public on Saturday January 26 and Sunday January 27 for the fourth year running and visitors will be able to see their commercial sheep flock of 300 ewes as well as witnessing the normal shepherding activities as they take place over the weekend.

"The flock is due to begin producing lambs the week before, so lambing should be in full swing by the end of January," said shepherd John Garrett. "We would hope that anyone staying for an hour or two should see lambs being born but, nature being what it is, nothing is ever guaranteed.

John who will be working with the sheep while the birthing takes place, will be wearing a microphone so that he can keep visitors fully informed about what is going on.

And his work with the birthing, assisted by Sparsholt College students, will also be shown live on CCTV so that everyone gets a good view. "Whatever happens, happens," he commented, "and people will be able to see everything first hand".