A shear delight at St Albans farm
There’s ‘shear’ delight in store for visitors to Willows Activity Farm this weekend (Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May) as the leisure attraction kicks off its first sheep shearing weekend of the year.
The farm park, near St Albans, is hosting two Woolly Weekends in 2026 when visitors can witness some of the farm’s 80-strong flock lose their fleecy coats ahead of the warm summer months.
Tuck the shepherd will be taking to the Animal Show Stage at the farm for shearing demonstrations and guests will be able to witness the transformation first hand.
Andrew Wolfe, director at Willows Activity Farm, says: “We have two Woolly Weekends lined up – this weekend, and the 13th and 14th of June. There will be two shows a day and visitors can see just how much wool – typically anywhere between 1kg – 13kg, depending on the breed – needs to be removed.”
The two breeds scheduled for a haircut this weekend are the Portlands and the Herdwicks. The Portlands are recognised as an ‘at risk’ rare breed sheep by the Rare Breed Survival Trust in the UK which means their breeding numbers are lower than ideal. Herdwicks, a UK native breed, are famous for being kept by Beatrix Potter, author of Peter Rabbit.
Andrew adds: “This is a critical time in the sheep farmer’s calendar. Shearing the sheep keeps them cool in the summer but also helps to prevent disease so it’s a vitally important part of the job and we’re thrilled we can share it with our visitors.”
Each Woolly Weekend there is also all the usual Willows farm fun for visitors to look forward to including the PETER RABBIT™ Adventure Playground, Adventure Golf, Peter Rabbit shows throughout the day, funfair rides and inflatables, Tristan the Runaway Tractor and the Puddle Play Park.
Woolly Weekends take place on 16/17 May and 13/14 June. Tickets include all activities, shows and adventure play and can be purchased in advance online with savings on family tickets. For more information, call 0333 331 2060, go to www.willowsactivityfarm.com, or like and follow @Willows_Farm on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.