An alpaca farm in south-west Sheffield has developed its main woodland area and confirmed plans for a new summer campsite as it marks 25 years.
Mayfield Alpaca Farm and Animal Sanctuary moved from winter into spring with a series of developments aimed at improving visitor access and expanding facilities ahead of the busier months. Work has been carried out to improve paths in the woodland and make sections of the site easier to access.
The business and site were sold in 2024 to a new owner. Animal carer Peter Hayes, 25, has volunteered and worked at the site for more than ten years. He said: “The site’s needed quite a lot of TLC since the last owner left. So with new owners coming in, we’ve re-fenced a lot, we’ve changed a lot of the site, but there’s still more to add.”
Pregnant alpacas will bring new arrivals to the farm throughout the spring. “Of the original girls we have one due at the end of February, the rest are due over March going into April. Then the seven we’ve got are all due between April and May-time.”
At the start of this year, the farm sought out volunteers to help with an extensive planting programme, aiming to add 840 tree and hedge saplings. New woodland areas will be created, alongside succession planting in existing woodland and small ecosystems on pastoral land to support birds, insects and wildlife.
New planting beds for school and community groups will be created, and the pond upgraded to encourage biodiversity.
With new play areas, the main woodland is reopening. Mr Hayes said, “We’re hoping to start our own forestry school. When I was younger, I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to learn around the animals and learn outdoors. We want to give that opportunity to everyone.”
There are also plans to open a new campsite at the bottom of the farm, with paths being woodchipped so that even if it rains in the summer, it shouldn’t be as boggy. “It’s a great experience for people to be camping in and around the animals,” said Mr Hayes.
The farm’s focus going into warmer months remains on education, conservation and community, offering visitors and volunteers meaningful experiences with animals and nature.
To visit or volunteer at the Mayfield Alpaca Farm and Animal Sanctuary, more information can be found via their website.
