Roundoak's Lambing Weekend ✅

A Heartfelt Thank You for an Unforgettable Family Lambing Weekend 🌿🐑💚

What a weekend! We are still beaming from the success of this year’s Family Lambing Weekend — and we want to say the biggest, warmest thank you to every single person who made it so special.

This year’s event was our biggest yet, with an incredible 939 people walking through our gates — and that doesn’t even include those who joined us on the day without pre-booking. It was a truly magical few days on the farm, and we’re beyond grateful for all the kind words, support, and lovely reviews that have come our way.

🐑 A Magical Moment: Live Lambing

One of the most unforgettable parts of the weekend was that three of our ewes gave birth during the event, right in front of our guests. Witnessing a live lambing is something few people ever get to see — and the moment was simply spellbinding. Despite the crowd, there was utter silence as nature took its course. Our incredible Farm Manager, Rose, calmly talked everyone through what was happening, explaining every step with care and expertise. Her impromptu tutorial turned into a powerful, educational experience that left many of you in awe — and us incredibly proud.

🐑 Meet & Bleat: Lamb Cuddles and Barnlife

We had six cuddly lambs on hand for petting, and they absolutely loved the attention (as did our visitors!). Both of our barns were full of expectant mums and their new arrivals — even the postnatal pens became a popular attraction. Every inch of the farm was buzzing with life and love.

And while most of our animals were ready to show off, Thelma the pig had other ideas — she’s still holding onto her piglets, sitting cross-legged, keeping us guessing!

🐮 New This Year: Walk Daniella & Highlander Hopes

We also trialled something new this year: Walk Daniella, a guided walk with our much-loved donkey. The feedback was lovely, and while the timing and route may need a little fine-tuning, it was a great first step! We’re also taking on board your suggestions and are looking into moving some of our Highland cattle from our sister site down to Roundoak for future events — you clearly want to meet them up close, and we hear you!

🛍 Woodland Wonders & Stallholder Magic

We were thrilled to welcome such an amazing variety of stallholders this year!

• Leeds and Kingswood Scouts created a woodland wonderland with archery, badge-making, and s’mores over an open fire — it was a real hit with families.

• Jay and Rose from Bounce With Us were back for the 5th year running, keeping the kids happy and bouncing all day long.

• Headcorn Football Club joined us for the first time, and according to my son Oli (who sold sweets at his own stall), it was “THE BEST THING EVER” — and he spent all his earnings there!

• Arty Birds and Cookies N Dirt brought fantastic craft activities and delicious doggy treats, delighting kids and pups alike.

• David and John added some classic charm with their merry-go-round.

• And a huge thanks to Jess from Busy Bodies, who painted endless smiling faces. Next year, fingers crossed for calmer weather so she can finally put up her rave tent!

🔧 Behind the Scenes: A Labour of Love

Events like this take a HUGE amount of planning and effort. From prepping the barns and cleaning machinery, to stocking the bar, firing up the BBQ, handling ticketing, advertising, and ongoing communications — none of it would be possible without our dream team.

A massive thank you goes to Rose and Guy, who worked tirelessly to get everything ready. And to our incredible crew of friends and family who gave up their weekend to help make it all happen:

• Jeremy, who manned the parking field like a pro

• Ed/s Lou and Karen, who welcomed everyone at the front gates

• Tilly, Simon, Abi, and Lily, who ran the animal barns

• Our wonderful Saturday girl Poppy (currently in the thick of her GCSEs!), who looked after Daniella, Jedward, and Harry with care and calm

• And finally, Mum, our sisters, and brothers-in-law, who kept the BBQ going all weekend long

❤️ Why We Do It

All the money raised during the event goes directly toward supporting the farm and our rare breed breeding programs. We’re so proud of what we’ve built here, and events like these remind us why it’s all worth it.

This is without a doubt our favourite weekend of the year — and to be able to share it with so many of you makes it even more meaningful.

Thank you for being part of our Roundoak family. With full hearts and muddy boots,Sophie, Louise, and the Roundoak Team 🐣💛