A ewe that was tupped in a video made as part of the National Trust's MyFarm project has, nearly five months later, given birth on camera, too.
The Portland ewe, unimaginatively named '3462' after her tag number, shot to prominence after starring in MyFarm's 'RamCam' video.
RamCam saw Peacland Paolo, a Portland ram, fitted with a horn-mounted webcam as he went out for the tupping season at Wimpole Home Farm, the home of MyFarm, last November.
In his first tup, Paolo took a special shine to experienced ewe number 3462, one of 30 ewes in his field for the tup. The video has been viewed more than 18,000 times on YouTube.
As the end of the 145-day gestation period drew nearer, the MyFarm team moved the ewe into a lambing pen fitted with another webcam.
On Sunday evening, viewers on the MyFarm website saw the as-yet unnamed 'Son of RamCam' born into the world.
MyFarm Project Manager, Andrew Cock-Starkey, said: "First RamCam and now LambCam have been great fun and we hope people have enjoyed watching them.
"Though it’s all done slightly tongue in cheek - and we've had lots of pun fun with titles like RamCam and EweTube - there is a serious message too.
"Carbon footprints, food miles and food provenance are becoming more and more important both to consumers and the industry.
"Most people have eaten lamb, still more will have heard of the lambing season at farms but I'd wager not many knew what the tupping season was.
"Through the MyFarm project we want to involve people in farming and where their food comes from.
"MyFarm members vote on key decisions that affect the future of the farm.
"If Paolo, ewe 3462 and their son help us teach people that British lamb born in the Spring is available to eat in Autumn, and not in the next few weeks as most people think, then they’ve done their job."
The lamb's birth was amongst the first at the home of MyFarm, Home Farm on the Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire. It signals the start of the farm’s lambing season that starts on Saturday 17 March and runs through to Sunday 5 April. Home Farm is open to the public and is expecting around 40,000 visitors during the five week period.
Andrew Cock-Starkey added: "Lambing is a very busy but hugely enjoyable time on the farm and the farm staff work really hard to share the goings on with the public.
"It's quite a magical thing to see a lamb that’s a few hours or even minutes old and lucky visitors may even see a birth for themselves.
"For those that don’t we suggest they keep an eye our MyFarm webcams. We've had pigs farrowing recently and even a rare Bagot goat having twin kids all live on camera."
For more information on MyFarm visit www.my-farm.org.uk.
Showing posts with label National trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National trust. Show all posts
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Monday, 22 August 2011
National Trust announces survey of spectacular tree avenues
There are an estimated 500 tree avenues on National Trust land stretching hundreds of miles which were historically planted to frame a particular view and are also now an important habitat for fungi, beetles, bats and lichens and forming natural wildlife corridors in the countryside.
The survey is the first of its kind in the world and as a result the Trust, as the largest individual owner of tree avenues in the world, will be better able to prioritise funding for their care as well as bringing together for the first time all of the fascinating stories behind the wealth of avenues.
Brian Muelaner, National Trust Ancient Tree Advisor, said: "Tree avenues are the perfect example of man and nature working in harmony. This new survey will give us the opportunity to understand more about these spectacular natural monuments which are rooted in the history of the places they appear.
"Historic tree avenues were great vanity projects for many wealthy landowners and there are some fantastic stories behind those in our care, so it's especially important that we capture all of this information in order to keep telling these stories for generations to come.
"Many of our tree avenues are under threat from different diseases so this survey will pinpoint where the issues are and help us decide how we can address them. We have an extensive tree safety management programme which assesses the risk of individual trees but avenues as a whole are not currently taken into consideration."
With more than 25,000 hectares of woodland, 200,000 hectares of farmland and 135 landscape and deer parks in National Trust care, more than 20,000 individual trees, equivalent to the size of 500 football pitches, are expected to be surveyed over the duration of the project.
Notable examples of tree avenues at Trust places include the Spanish Chestnuts at Croft Castle in Herefordshire, planted using the seeds from the Spanish Armada wrecks in 1592; the 731 trees in the Beech Avenue of the Kingston Lacy Estate in Dorset, which were an extravagant gift from Dorset aristocrat William John Bankes to his mother Frances and the Lime Tree Avenue at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. This is the longest such avenue in Europe with 1,296 trees (2 miles) planted in a double row on each side by the 4th Duke of Newcastle.
Brian Muelaner pointed out: "A tree avenue is a natural picture frame and there is nothing quite like walking along one as a magnificent building or spectacular landscape comes into view and the image is captured in your mind's eye."
Two years ago the National Trust launched a project to survey all the ancient trees in its care. Almost half of the Trust's properties have staff trained in surveying and 20,000 trees have so far been recorded.
The work of the Ancient Tree Advisor and the survey of tree avenues on National Trust land has been made possible with the support of Cadbury.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Action Packed Summer Holidays At Bodiam Castle, Kent
Bodiam Castle's annual 'Summer Fun' event will take place between 23 July and 29 August 2011, offering a host of innovative activities to keep little fingers busy during the long summer holidays.
Every day, visitors of all ages will have the exciting opportunity to join in a variety of special Have-a-Go workshops hosted by Hands on History. Everyone can learn archery techniques and test their skills with a longbow, mini crossbow and paintball cannon. Date: Daily 23 July - 5 August, 11-21 August, 27 August - 4 September at various times. Price: Archery = £5 for 12 Arrows or £3 for 6 Arrows. Paint Ball Cannon = £2.50 for 12 shots. Mini Cross Bow= £1 for 10 shots.
At 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm each day visitors will also be able to witness the firing of Bodiam Castle's life size, replica trebuchet, a fierce catapult used in medieval castle sieges. Price: included with normal castle admission.
On Medieval Mondays visitors of all ages can dress to impress with the castle's authentic collection of replica armour and costumes. Transform into a knight in shining armour, a medieval princess, a powerful Lord or even an entertaining court jester. Dates: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August 11am-4pm. Price: £2 per person plus normal castle admission.
On 3 August don't miss the castle's annual Family Fun day when the whole family can enjoy a memorable day out together. Between 11am and 4pm the castle grounds will be packed full of entertaining activities for families to enjoy including face painting, arts and crafts, tractor rides, an exciting traditional fun fair and much more. Date: 3 August. Price: included with normal castle admission plus small charge for some activities.
The castle will also be hosting their famous Knight and Princess Academy, which is suitable for all budding knights and princesses over the age of four. The academy brings children's dreams to life as they train to be a real knight in shining armour or a medieval princess.
Every day, visitors of all ages will have the exciting opportunity to join in a variety of special Have-a-Go workshops hosted by Hands on History. Everyone can learn archery techniques and test their skills with a longbow, mini crossbow and paintball cannon. Date: Daily 23 July - 5 August, 11-21 August, 27 August - 4 September at various times. Price: Archery = £5 for 12 Arrows or £3 for 6 Arrows. Paint Ball Cannon = £2.50 for 12 shots. Mini Cross Bow= £1 for 10 shots.
At 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30pm each day visitors will also be able to witness the firing of Bodiam Castle's life size, replica trebuchet, a fierce catapult used in medieval castle sieges. Price: included with normal castle admission.
On Medieval Mondays visitors of all ages can dress to impress with the castle's authentic collection of replica armour and costumes. Transform into a knight in shining armour, a medieval princess, a powerful Lord or even an entertaining court jester. Dates: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August 11am-4pm. Price: £2 per person plus normal castle admission.
On 3 August don't miss the castle's annual Family Fun day when the whole family can enjoy a memorable day out together. Between 11am and 4pm the castle grounds will be packed full of entertaining activities for families to enjoy including face painting, arts and crafts, tractor rides, an exciting traditional fun fair and much more. Date: 3 August. Price: included with normal castle admission plus small charge for some activities.
The castle will also be hosting their famous Knight and Princess Academy, which is suitable for all budding knights and princesses over the age of four. The academy brings children's dreams to life as they train to be a real knight in shining armour or a medieval princess.
The 45 minute session allows children to dress in authentic costumes and take part in a special craft activity, before their graduation ceremony, when they will be rewarded with a personalised certificate and a special gift as proof of their new-found qualification. Dates: 9, 10, 17, 18 and 19 August at 11:15, 12:15, 13:30 and 14:30. Price: £5 per child, no castle admission necessary.
Booking can be made by calling 01580 830196. Please do book early to avoid disappointment.
Between the 20 and 21 August there will be the exciting chance for visitors of all ages to join in the 'Dressing for Battle' event. Between 10.30am and 5pm each day visitors can discover how a knight dressed for battle and before trying on the variety of armour themselves. No additional charge but normal castle admission applies.
Before the holidays draw to a close families have the opportunity to take part in the castle's Great Treasure Challenge and join the quest to search for the castle's hidden treasure chest. The castle is brought to life by members of the Bodiam Household, who, dressed in authentic costume, may hide vital clues to the chest's whereabouts. Families have to solve the mystery to track down the treasure and claim their prize! Date: 23-25 August - 11am - 4pm. Price: £2 per person plus normal castle admission.
As well as the activities visitors can explore the castle ruins, including the battlements and towers or browse the shop, which offers a range of gifts and produce, including Bodiam wine and local honey. The Wharf tea-room serves a variety of delicious seasonal treats such as light lunches, whilst Ice-creams, snacks and drinks can be purchased from the castle kiosk (seasonal).
Bodiam Castle Gift Aid Admission: (Standard Admission prices in brackets): adult £6.80 (£6.10), child £3.40 (£3.05), family £18 (£16.20), family (one adult) £11.20 (£10.10).
For more information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle or give them a call on 01580 830196.
FACTFILE:
Bodiam Castle has been in the expert and loving care of the National Trust since 1926, it is three miles off the main A21at Hurst Green, midway between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells.
There is a reduced rate of £5.80 and £2.90 for adults and children arriving by bicycle, public transport or the Kent & East Sussex Railway (stations at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam)
(EDITOR: That's Holiday will include news from other National Trust properties throughout the summer)
Between the 20 and 21 August there will be the exciting chance for visitors of all ages to join in the 'Dressing for Battle' event. Between 10.30am and 5pm each day visitors can discover how a knight dressed for battle and before trying on the variety of armour themselves. No additional charge but normal castle admission applies.
Before the holidays draw to a close families have the opportunity to take part in the castle's Great Treasure Challenge and join the quest to search for the castle's hidden treasure chest. The castle is brought to life by members of the Bodiam Household, who, dressed in authentic costume, may hide vital clues to the chest's whereabouts. Families have to solve the mystery to track down the treasure and claim their prize! Date: 23-25 August - 11am - 4pm. Price: £2 per person plus normal castle admission.
As well as the activities visitors can explore the castle ruins, including the battlements and towers or browse the shop, which offers a range of gifts and produce, including Bodiam wine and local honey. The Wharf tea-room serves a variety of delicious seasonal treats such as light lunches, whilst Ice-creams, snacks and drinks can be purchased from the castle kiosk (seasonal).
Bodiam Castle Gift Aid Admission: (Standard Admission prices in brackets): adult £6.80 (£6.10), child £3.40 (£3.05), family £18 (£16.20), family (one adult) £11.20 (£10.10).
For more information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiamcastle or give them a call on 01580 830196.
FACTFILE:
Bodiam Castle has been in the expert and loving care of the National Trust since 1926, it is three miles off the main A21at Hurst Green, midway between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells.
There is a reduced rate of £5.80 and £2.90 for adults and children arriving by bicycle, public transport or the Kent & East Sussex Railway (stations at Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam)
(EDITOR: That's Holiday will include news from other National Trust properties throughout the summer)
Monday, 16 May 2011
The National Trust hits £500,000 mark for Llyndy Isaf, Snowdonia, appeal
The National Trust has announced that over half a million Pounds (£500,000) has been donated only one month after it launched an appeal to secure the future of one of Snowdonia's most precious landscapes.
The campaign to raise £1 million to secure Llyndy Isaf was given an extra boost as Welsh Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones declared her emphatic support for the appeal. She said: "The National Trust plays a key role in protecting and managing the Welsh countryside, the beauty and landscape of Snowdonia is truly unique and we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect Llyndy Isaf in this stunning part of Wales for future generations. If we don't act now the threat of commercial development could spoil the tranquillity of this special part of Snowdonia. Please support the campaign."
Just over one month ago another Welsh actor, Matthew Rhys, called on the people of Wales and beyond to help the National Trust raise the money to buy Llyndy Isaf, a 600 acre (248ha) upland farm on the shores of Llyn Dinas lake in Snowdonia, making it the National Trust's biggest countryside appeal in the UK in over ten years.
"We're absolutely delighted with the response we've had from the public," said Richard Neale, the National Trust's general manager in Snowdonia. "We're well on our way to raising the £1 million needed to secure the future of Llyndy Isaf, thanks to the generosity of individuals who have made donations by post and online.
"When we launched the appeal I started a blog and I've been amazed by the response. People have been asking me questions about the place, what the threats to it are and how they can donate, it all goes to show how much people care about protecting special places like Llyndy Isaf for the future. I know we're half way there but we can't rest, we still need another £500,000 to enable us to buy the farm and undertake immediate and essential environmental improvements."
Llyndy Isaf lies in the beautiful Nant Gwynant valley, near Beddgelert. It is one of the most well-known and environmentally important stretches of countryside in Snowdonia, untouched by intensive farming and home to many threatened wildlife species of international importance (such as kingfishers, otters and the chough). Without public support the farm and valley could be at risk of commercial development and the tranquillity destroyed.
The appeal to buy Llyndy Isaf is launched under the umbrella of the National Trust's Snowdonia Appeal. In 1998 with support from its president at the time, Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, it raised £4 million to buy the 4118 acre Hafod y Llan estate on the southern flank of Snowdon.
The campaign to raise £1 million to secure Llyndy Isaf was given an extra boost as Welsh Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta Jones declared her emphatic support for the appeal. She said: "The National Trust plays a key role in protecting and managing the Welsh countryside, the beauty and landscape of Snowdonia is truly unique and we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect Llyndy Isaf in this stunning part of Wales for future generations. If we don't act now the threat of commercial development could spoil the tranquillity of this special part of Snowdonia. Please support the campaign."
Just over one month ago another Welsh actor, Matthew Rhys, called on the people of Wales and beyond to help the National Trust raise the money to buy Llyndy Isaf, a 600 acre (248ha) upland farm on the shores of Llyn Dinas lake in Snowdonia, making it the National Trust's biggest countryside appeal in the UK in over ten years.
"We're absolutely delighted with the response we've had from the public," said Richard Neale, the National Trust's general manager in Snowdonia. "We're well on our way to raising the £1 million needed to secure the future of Llyndy Isaf, thanks to the generosity of individuals who have made donations by post and online.
"When we launched the appeal I started a blog and I've been amazed by the response. People have been asking me questions about the place, what the threats to it are and how they can donate, it all goes to show how much people care about protecting special places like Llyndy Isaf for the future. I know we're half way there but we can't rest, we still need another £500,000 to enable us to buy the farm and undertake immediate and essential environmental improvements."
Llyndy Isaf lies in the beautiful Nant Gwynant valley, near Beddgelert. It is one of the most well-known and environmentally important stretches of countryside in Snowdonia, untouched by intensive farming and home to many threatened wildlife species of international importance (such as kingfishers, otters and the chough). Without public support the farm and valley could be at risk of commercial development and the tranquillity destroyed.
The appeal to buy Llyndy Isaf is launched under the umbrella of the National Trust's Snowdonia Appeal. In 1998 with support from its president at the time, Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, it raised £4 million to buy the 4118 acre Hafod y Llan estate on the southern flank of Snowdon.
To find out more please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
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