Tatenhill’s National Forest Adventure Farm is preparing for the spring season and has already welcomed two sets of quadruplet lambs
Spring is almost upon us, and this of course means lambing season. Already, the National Forest Adventure Farm in Tatenhill has been welcoming new lambs into the world as part of New Life on the Farm – including two unexpected sets of quadruplets this month! More lambs are on the way as the farm looks towards its Easter calendar of events.
16 million ewes will give birth this year and most will have just one or two lambs. However, the Robinson family, who own the Adventure Farm, are elated to have welcomed two sets of Texel Cross quad lambs within a few days of each other. According to research by Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, quadruplet births among sheep are a rarity, occurring around once in every 500 births.
Farmer Tom Robinson, who runs the site with his brother Ivor, said: “One set of quads is rare but to see two sets within days is something special and has definitely meant it has been a busy start to the season this year. Our team have been on hand to help with bottle feeding as the mothers will have their work cut out with so many hungry mouths to feed.
“With Lambing Live taking place all the way through Easter, families still have plenty of time to see more lambs born this spring.”
The farm is looking forward to the births of hundreds of lambs onsite over the coming months, with the Lambing Live event open for visits to meet expectant ewes and maybe even witness the birth of a spring lamb. The ‘ewe’Tube channel is also on air 24/7, inviting families to see what is happening as lambing season takes place.
The National Forest Adventure Farm is a family attraction based on the outskirts of Burton-on-Trent, sitting on farmland owned by the Robinson family. With 40 acres of open space, the farm is home to goats, chickens, pigs, horses, cows, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Not only are the animals available to visit, but the farm also has a variety of fun activities to take part in, including pedal go-karts, frisbee golf, Jurassic Canyon sand and fossil dig, tractor rides, JCB Big Dig Zone, and giant jumping pillows.
For more information about Lambing Live and Easter events, visit www.adventurefarm.co.uk.