It may only be February but the first signs of spring are beginning to emerge in Suffolk – and these newborn lambs are among the more adorable clues that a new season is on its way.
These fluffy fledglings have already made their mark, leaving grins on the faces of hundreds of youngsters who visited Baylham House Farm near Ipswich this half term.
Lamb cuddling sessions and chances to meet the ‘Baylham Bunnies’ were offered throughout the week, much to the delight of both adults and children.
Owner Neil Storer said: “It has been great – the sun has come out, and the people have too.
“The first group of February half term has been quite small, 16 ewes have given birth producing 30 lambs. This is probably the main opportunity for the children to be able to get that close to the animals. There are some who just adore it but what makes it really special is those who are quite nervous at the beginning, because by the end of the day they have huge grins on their faces having overcome that fear.”
Mr Storer said that by Easter, the farm should have 40 more of its ewes welcoming lambs into the world, but there will be more to come as spring begins to unfold.
Elsewhere in Suffolk and north Essex, snowdrops have begun to carpet woodland across both counties. The blooms, which traditionally signal the end of winter, arrived a week early this year – delighting residents and tourists at Kentwell Hall, who put on a ‘Snowdrop Spectacular’ display earlier this month.
Drifts of the wild flower can be found at a range of destinations across the region – including Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Bradfield Woods, near Bury St Edmunds, Hedingham Castle and Daws Hall, near the village of Bures on the Essex/Suffolk border.
However, weather forecasters believe the region could be in for one of its last winter spells at the end of the week.
While most of the week will stay dry and mild, snow showers could fall on Friday and into the weekend, according to Weatherquest experts.
Richard Jones said: “The majority of next week is likely to stay dry and relatively mild, but towards the end of the week an area of high pressure could bring cold winds and the possibility of wintry showers to the east coast and eastern areas in general.
“There is a risk of some snow showers and ice.”
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