Out & About Spring 2018

Alpaca fleece Alpacas are bred in the UK primarily for their fleece, which is incredibly soft and warm and is a favourite with knitters. There are two types of alpaca which have very different fleece. The Huacaya has short, curly fibre and the Suri has a form of dreadlock. It is possible to spin both types of fleece, but Suri alpacas are rarer in the UK than Huacaya. There is no lanolin in alpaca fleece, unlike sheep’s wool, and it can be spun directly from the fleece without being scoured first. An alpaca is sheared once a year, normally in May. If they are not sheared the fleece continues growing. An average alpaca fleece weighs approximately 2.5kg. Alpaca fibre was introduced to the UK by Sir Titus Salt in 1836, and alpaca coats and clothes were very fashionable during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Q: What is the difference between Alpacas and llamas? Sharon is asked this question all the time and said: A: “It’s like asking the difference between a Shetland and a horse. They are different species.” These are the five main differences: 1 Ears – alpaca ears are leaf-shaped and llama’s ears are longer and more banana-shaped. 2 Size - Llamas are generally bigger than alpacas. 3 Faces - Llamas have longer faces whereas an alpaca’s face is more squared off. 4 Fleece – Alpaca fleece is finer than llama fleece and there is more of it. They are fluffier, with more hair on their head than a llama. 5 Personalities - Alpacas like company and to be part of a herd whereas llamas are more independent animals. Llamas are more aggressive and are even used as guard animals for other livestock – including guarding alpacas.

The Wyld Court Alpaca Trek is a perfect opportunity to get close to these beautiful and gentle creatures. The walks last between 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the speed of the alpacas and can cover up to three miles. The route is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs and small children would need to walk or be carried. In the winter be prepared for mud. Children must be aged six or older to lead an alpaca and if under nine years old an adult must hold an additional lead. The costs vary, with one person leading one alpaca costing £30, or a family ticket (two adults and two children) costing £55. Short walks are offered for people with disabilities or mobility problems (normally the last Sunday of the month) and costs £20.

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