From chicks and ducklings to lambs and piglets, nothing says spring like baby animals in Somerset. After entertaining the kids indoors all winter, take advantage of the warmer weather to get out in the fresh air and discover the new life on farms, zoos and parks across Somerset.
Animal Farm Adventure Park, Burnham-on-Sea
Spring is a great time to visit this popular attraction, where you can meet a huge range of furry and feathered friends. There are plenty of baby animals in Somerset to be seen, from lambs to fluffy chicks, many of which can be petted during the regular ‘cuddle club’ sessions. If you’re brave, you could even hold a snake, lizard or tarantula! Once you’ve met the animals, enjoy amusement park rides such as the toy carousel or spinning honey pots, run off some energy in the indoor play barn, try your luck in the penny amusements, or take a turn on the 20 metre zip wire.
Bath City Farm, Bath
From miniature Shetland ponies and Dexter cattle (the smallest of the European breeds) to free range chickens and ducks, pygmy goats, Soay and Wiltshire Horn sheep and event African guinea fowl, there’s plenty to see at this 37 acre city farm. You can also explore the nature trail through the woods and fields, where you might spot more spring babies, from fledgling birds to tortoiseshell caterpillars and, in the pond, frogspawn, tadpoles and newts. Entry to the farm is free, but bring your purse so you can treat yourself to a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake at the refreshment kiosk.
Court Farm Country Park, Banwell
This 108-acre, family-run working farm in Banwell, near Weston-super-Mare, is home to a pedigree herd of Ruby Red Devon cattle plus a flock of pedigree Texel sheep. Lambing season runs right up to Easter, and you may also see piglets, Shire horses and Shetland ponies. Spot the animals from a tractor ride, before exploring the farm’s play castle, trampolines, mazes and rides.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard
For over 70 years, Ferne Animal Sanctuary has been saving the lives of unwanted and abandoned animals on a beautiful 52 acre site at Chard. Visitors can expect to see pigs, chickens, chinchillas, birds, goats, rabbits, ferrets, tortoises and horses, many of which are available to be sponsored. There’s a nature trail to follow too, with several pretty ponds along the way, and a fun children’s play areas, not to mention a cafe where the adults can enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Puxton Park, Hewish
With more than 1,000 dairy cows and around the same number of sheep, plus numerous pigs, goats, donkeys and even alpacas, not to mention ducks, geese and other birds, it’s safe to say there’s plenty to of baby animals in Somerset at Puxton Park! During the spring you could find yourself bottle feeding a lamb, petting a baby chick or even watching a calf being born in the maternity paddock if you’re very lucky.
Rowdy Farm, Cannington
Come along to the Lambing Fun Day at Bridgwater College’s Rodway Farm this March, and you’ll have the chance to meet new born lambs, as well as calves and piglets. The family event also includes tractor/trailer rides, sheep racing and falconry displays, plus a farmers’ market, face painting, children’s entertainment and go karting. Tickets include free entry to the Walled Gardens of Cannington, home to a Plant Heritage National Plant Collection of Deschampsia.
South West Deer Rescue & Study Centre, Crewkerne
They won’t quite be here in time for the spring, but if you time your visit for the beginning of June, you’ll be able to spot baby red deer at this 110 acre site near Crewkerne. Book a ‘close encounters’ tour and you’ll also get within touching distance of the rescue centre’s other residents, including white deer, fallow deer, axis deer, roe deer, muntjac and sika deer.