A popular open farm in Bolton is celebrating several animal births over the Easter period.
Baby llamas, lambs and piglets are just some of the new ar at Smithills Farm on the edge of Bolton.
It’s been a busy period for the farm, as numerous customers visit it to pet and feed the animals, taste the ice cream straight from the farm’s own creamery and, of course, to see the baby animals.
Carl Grimshaw, part of the Grimshaw family who’ve owned the farm for over 30 years, spoke to The Bolton News about the births:
“Our baby llama is only five days old now (Wednesday April 13). They’ve obviously been a very popular addition to the farm, especially over the Easter holidays with so many visitors coming to see us.”
The Grimshaws have had llamas on the farm for 16 years, and currently have 23 llamas in total.
The llamas are certainly not the only attraction, however. With spring very much being lambing season, Smithills have been busy helping the ewes give birth.
It hasn’t been without moments of mischief, as Carl tells us: “Because these lambs are just so small, they can climb through the little railings on the gates, and a couple of them escaped this morning.”
They also have baby goats, piglets and even a baby donkey called Bruce Bogtrotter:
“It caused a bit of a stir at the beginning when he was born cause we initially just called him Bogtrotter, which some customers weren’t very happy about.
“But we thought it was a really cute name for a cute baby donkey, and his mum is Matilda.”
For more information visit https://www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk/ where you can book tickets, or you can call them on 01204595765.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here