Stanton Farm
Alpacas are some really interesting animals. Their faces are full of character and mischief. I have been trying to find a farm where I can photograph them. As these things go, a friend of my son actually works on Stanton’s Farm where they home 28! I got an invitation to visit the farm with my camera, and couldn’t wait to get there.
Staton’s farm can trace its origins back to the 12th Century, although no longer as big as it was, it boasts a grade 1 listed farmhouse which is the second oldest continuously occupied dwelling in Essex. That was not what I was there for though. I was there to photograph some of the 60+ animals that call it home.
The farm now offers educational and fun animal experiences, and we (I say we, because my daughter came with me – there was no way I would have been allowed to do that without her) were met by Yasmine who guided us through the farm introducing us to the animals that she clearly knows and loves.
The alpacas are in three separate fields, who are surrounded by llamas, Shetland ponies, goats, cattle, pigs, chickens and ducks. We started with the bachelor alpacas, who were very nosey and happy to hang around with us. They have a mind of their own and no intention of posing how I’d like them to. They’ve all recently been shaved and are all sporting interesting haircuts.
Close by were some sows with their litters, in some very comfortable surroundings. The sows were clearly happy each sporting a little smile. The piglets were beyond cute. We didn’t go into the enclosure and disturb them but watched from respectable distance. We did go in with the miniature pigs, with their long black hair. They are very gentle and curious. They love their belly’s being rubbed and will throw themselves at your feet to make sure that you do just that. It’s a warm day today and they retreat into shady corners or snooze in the sun.
The mini goats are potty and leap about everywhere, barely standing still for a moment. I love the way that they poke their heads through the gate.
The donkeys are so friendly. I adore Morris. He kept following me or the camera, making it tricky to photograph him. His fur is very soft and very strokable. Paudie is less nosey but is always a few steps behind Morris.
The chickens and ducks too, are very friendly and gather around you in the hope that you may have something tasty. The ducks on the other hand really aren’t that interested in you.
We sneak into the paddock with the sheep and they are very friendly. They all want petting mainly at the same time and it’s difficult to photograph these animals if they don’t go far enough away. I love the sheep with the curly horns and little black faces.
More alpacas, llamas, Shetland ponies and yet more alpacas. It was wonderful spending time with all these creatures. We were blessed with a wonderfully warm and sunny day and the animals were clearly enjoying it as much as we were. We had some help getting the alpacas lined up in some kind of order, the promise of food of course, but I am very happy with the result though. I’m thinking it might make an interesting print. Tell me what you think?
Don’t take my word for it, go and visit yourself. Click here to learn how.
