Flatlands Alpacas owner plans educational centre to share her love and knowledge of creatures in Crowland
Rico, George, Casper, Gizmo, Diesel, Dodger, Bear, Swamp and Yogi may sound like a boy band from the 60s - and with their floppy fringes it could be likely.
But actually these are Flatlands Alpacas, a bunch of friendly fellows, whose home is on a farm in Crowland and, not quite knowing what to expect, I paid them a visit.
Louise Holland started with three alpacas weanlings as pets and, wanting to share her love of these inquisitive creatures, she created afternoon teas and picnics for visitors and is now planning to open an education centre at the site.
She said: “The unit will provide an extra space for groups to learn about the alpacas and our intention is to host craft workshops and hire the space out to businesses for workshops and as a meeting venue also.
“It will be particularly good for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and autism.
“We will clad the front and tidy up the gravel area and decorate inside.”
It has been proven that meeting animals can help youngsters with social and emotional development. And there are plenty of animals to help youngsters at Flatlands, which is home to a hen, goats, sheep and Tippy the horse.
Having written a book called The Search for an Alpaca, Louise is keen to promote interaction with her alpacas and the education centre will provide a space to share her knowledge.
She said: “I love their herdiness.
“Once you are part of the herd they will keep you in the herd.
“They follow me around everywhere.”
Five of the alpacas are six years of age and the younger ones are three and two years old. Alpacas are from a camelid breed originating from Peru in South America.
They are herd orientated herbivores and eat grass, hay and also love to be fed carrots.
Louise uses the natural fleece from the alpacas to spin which she has recently learnt how to do.
She said: “Alpaca wool has no lanolin unlike sheep’s wool so it is very soft and not waxy and hypoallergenic.
“I got a spinning wheel and learnt how to spin.
“We make blankets and rugs using the fleece.”
It is good for the alpacas to have their coats sheared as too much rain can cause them to get damp and rot.
Water weighs the coat down and could be damaging to their health and using their wool does not harm them in any way.
The alpacas are routinely and go to specific areas of the farm at certain times.
In a herd they gather just before dusk in a field together and when they lie down with all four legs underneath it is called cushing.
Louise said: “The last two pages of my book sums up the alpacas.
“Because what people don’t know is the trust they extend.
“When you’re truly a herd member you are truly a friend.”
The educational centre is set to open in June and further information about Flatlands Alpacas can be found at https://flatlandsalpacas.co.uk/about/
What do you think? Post your comment below.