Thousands of visitors flock to Bishop Burton College for Lambing Sunday

More than 2000 people flocked to Bishop Burton on Sunday, the first official day of British Summertime, to see the College farms 750 ewes and their lambs.

Visitors were also able to witness the birth of several lambs as the farm threw open the doors of the Colleges 180,000 sheep unit so people could see the ewes and lambs up close and hear from the farm staff how their lambing season is managed.

Farm manager Dominic Naylor believes the Lambing Sunday event provided visitors with the opportunity to learn more about lambing, the origins of their food and life on a working farm.

He said: Its a wonderful time of year. We have around 720 ewes and they will average around two lambs each so we are expecting around 1400 lambs in total.

Its a very busy time as tupping is managed carefully in the autumn to ensure a very short lambing season , so I have staff in the sheep unit 24 hours a day for three or four weeks.

Its great to be able to give the public access to the farm like this  – they can see us at work and learn about where their food comes from and the numbers here today are testament to the interest they have in farming and nature.

The visitors want to understand why things are happening as they are and as farmers its up to us to help them understand.

As well as the chance to see live births in the sheep unit, visitors were also able to see ewes and lambs grazing in the paddock and in a specially constructed pen indoors.

Children were also able to stroke and pet the lambs in a dedicated Petting Zone.

Four-year-old Megan Saunby of Kilnwick enjoyed meeting the Colleges latest arrivals.

I think theyre beautiful, said Megan. Theyre all soft and cuddly like my rabbit Flopsy.

Dad Nigel was impressed with the event.

He said: This is an amazing event. Its a really nice thing for the public and it helps to raise the profile of the College and the work that it does.

Its very useful for visitors to see the lambs and sheep and raises awareness of the origins of their food and its also a great day out.

However the event was not just a learning experience for the visitors. Agriculture student Oliver Tempest, a self-confessed townie, was in charge of a large pen of lambs and ewes. This is his first ever experience of lambing.

I come from Leeds and Im not from a farming background at all, said Oliver. But Ive always loved being outdoors, I love animals and Ive always had an interest in farming.

Its fantastic to get the public involved with lambing to see how their food is produced, because ultimately thats what happens.

Other activities at the event included tours of the Colleges pig unit and animal management unit where they could see the meerkats and new baby wallaby Rosy.

Visitors were also able to see a wide range of agricultural machinery, enjoy a show jumping competition and tuck into a home-cooked roast lunch in The Meadows restaurant.