Local
wintery walks with alpacas Alpacas, smaller than Llamas, are native to Peru.
They have been domesticated for thousands of years from wild ancestors, also native to South America. Their quiet nature and good hygiene (Alpaca’s use a corner of their grazing as a communal toilet making them a lot neater than sheep!) have helped breeders introduce them to all parts of the world now, only excluding the Antarctic. Alpacas need annual shearing and the fibre is used for making knitted and woven items, similar
to sheep’s wool. These items include blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, a wide variety of textiles and ponchos in South America, and sweaters, socks, coats and bedding in other parts of the world. At their farm in Hatt, Gary and Felicia Sanders pride themselves on the way they look after their herd of Alpacas. They have a calm and relaxing approach to their management, handling them sensitively and regularly from birth, and working with the animals own herding instincts. Visitors often remark on how settled and relaxed the Alpacas appear and are encouraged to meet and greet the animals whilst they are taken on regular walks. There is a very therapeutic aspect to sharing time with an Alpaca herd. On December 14 and 19 there are still a few spaces left to meet and greet the Alpacas at Popham, and
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