Elmet Alpacas and Tearoom
WELCOME TO ELMET ALPACAS (and other fluffy species
We would love you to visit us and meet all our very friendly and inquisitive animals.
Alpacas galore
Petal & Diasy, our goats
Lenny the Legendary sheep
Tank, Bubbles, Barbara, Legs, Cheekie-Pie, Jacob, Wesley...plus many more.
Lambing is well underway now and we have lots of gorgeous lambs to see.
GIFT VOUCHERS AND COVID
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.
Should we have a lockdown any voucher purchased from Dec 2019 will be extended accordingly.
*Unfortunately our initial idea to keep vouchers open ended during the pandemic has been taken to the extreme, hence the revised voucher extention policy.
Any vouchers purchased during Covid 19 resitrictions must be redeemed by June 1st 2022.
The last restrictions preventing us opening to the public were lifted in Feb 21. This has allowed a minimum of 14 months for any vouchers to be redeemed.
We need to implement a cut off date to enable us to move forward wth our business.
Thank you for your understanding.
Tupping Time is a distant memory
now and the lambs were due anytime from Mother's day onwards.
The ewes were slow to start giving birth and went beyond Mother's Day before lambs started arriving.
All our ewes were scanned earlier in the year so we could prepare for the new arrivals however what we can't prepare for are problem deliveries.
The frst ewe to go into labour was Cheeky-Pie. As she is an older girl we weren't worried about her having any problems. She has given birth many times unaided in the past so we didn't feel the need to intervene at an early stage. As time past it became evident that there could be a problem... the first lamb wanting to be born was in the breach position. This meant that he was backwards and wanted to come out tail first. Despite our best efforts the little chap sadly died shortly after delivery, probably due to him inhaling fluids while still inside mum.
Lamb number 2 arrived without any problem and Cheeky-Pie soon got into 'mummy mode', licking and nuzzling her lamb.
EASTER MIRACLE
Two weeks after Cheeky-Pie gave birth to the twins we were amazed on Easter Sunday to see her give birth to TWO MORE lambs!!! Both were very healthy and strong, keen to get to their feet quickly and suckle from mum.
I quizzed our vet about this and he confirmed that this is totally unheard of. Occasionally a ewe can give birth two days apart, but never has it been recorded of a ewe giving birth to two separate sets of twins two full weeks apart.
Cheeky-Pie is now out in the field, looking after her three lambs. We are supplementing their feed a little but on the whole mum is doing very well raising her miracle brood.
Alpaca trekking
What to expect from your trekking visit...
Our walk start times can usually be arranged to suit, although we do not schedule treks in very hot weather.
Upon arrival we wil go through some basic information abour how to get the best from your visit.
The walks usually last about an hour dependant on route and are taken at a very gentle pace.
Once back in the farmyard there will be an opportunity for photos and the chance to offer your companion their favourite treat, which will be provided.
To round off your visit you may wish to sample a drink and tasty treat served from the Old Dairy.
Your visit will probably last around 2 hours.
PLEASE NOTE...
You will be walking around our fields so sturdy, preferably waterproof footwear is always advised, whatever time of year that you visit.
The walk is taken at a very steady pace, but due to it being over uneven ground it is not suitable for wheelchair users, pushchairs or anyone with mobility difficulties.
Like all livestock, alpacas can kick out if they are startled, therefore alpaca trekking is not suitable for children under 9, unless the child is a baby and their parent is using a baby carrier. Pushchairs are not permitted as the alpacas would be very unsettled and probably would refuse to walk.
Children aged 9 years and over will only be able to lead an alpaca if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Strictly NO DOGS allowed on the farm.
Although we don't have wheelchair access around the fields, we are working to improve our facilities for those who aren't able to join in on a trek.
We have wheelchair accessible toilets and craft room /refreshments room and will have a wheelchair accessible viewing area by Spring 2020.
Many people with additional needs are able to enjoy walking with our alpacas if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Alpaca trekking is definitely not a spectator sport so all our visitors arriving with a trekking party are expected to participate!
Please give me a call to discuss your visit.
WEATHER...
With our wonderfully varied British climate we can never be ensured of a dry day. We walk in drizzle and light rain, but in the event of heavy rain or high winds, we will either wait to see if the rain passes over, or try to reschedule for another day.
Waterproof clothing is advised, even if there's the slightest hint of rain, and sturdy, waterproof boots are advisable no matter what time of year. We are walking in the countryside and the ground will be uneven and may be wet and muddy. It'd be a shame to spoil your visit by wearing the wrong foot waer. Anyone wearing heeled footwear, sandals or flip flops will not be able to participate.
Gloves, not mittens, hats and scarves are advisable in cold weather.