THE arrival of rare quadruplet lambs at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, has officially welcomed the start of spring.

Twins are relatively common and staff and students have helped to deliver triplets before, but this is the first time that a ewe has delivered four lambs at Duchy Home Farm.

Farm manager at Duchy College, James Coumbe, said: “Quadruplets are extremely rare, but I’m delighted to say that both the mum and the new lambs are all doing well. This is an extremely fun and busy time of year on the farm as everything springs into life.”

The lambs are not the only new arrivals at Duchy College, along with the snowdrops and daffodils, now in full bloom, a flurry of activity saw the appearance of a number of new piglets and calves.

James added: “This time of year is always very busy but very rewarding at the same time. The farm staff and students are greeting new additions on a daily basis.”

On March 13 the public will be able to meet the newborn lambs, pigs and calves, enjoy a tractor and trailer ride and various indoor and outdoor activities, as well as take part in a quiz and much more at this year’s Family Farm Day.

Head of campus Rob Dunn said: “This is a great opportunity for families to discover more about how the farm works and to explore the facilities we have to offer at Duchy College. By opening up the farm the general public can rediscover the link between the field and fork; whilst also discovering how important the farming industry is to the rural economy.”

The Family Farm Day is at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland on Sunday, March 13 between 11am and 3pm.