Why Not Alpacas, Sedbergh

Established in the spring of 2000, the WhyNot Alpacas herd now numbers more than ninety alpacas,. This puts it amongst the largest alpaca herds in the North West of England. We have extensive old pastures at Ghyllas, on the edge of Cumbria's Howgill Fells, overlooking the thriving Book / Market town of Sedbergh. When we returned to live here, the land had been used for farming sheep and cattle for many years; and so we decided to diversify.

Alpaca Fibres

One hundred and fifty years ago, Yorkshire mills were working alpaca fibre to make clothing for Queen Victoria and the Royal family. It seemed time for alpacas to make a comeback on land which once lay within the West Riding of Yorkshire.

The Herd

Alpacas are herd animals, and we began our herd with four females. The first summer, one male and three female crias were born. Two of our original four girls are still with us; and they and their offspring continue to form the nucleus of the herd.

As the herd size has increased, we have brought in new bloodlines through stud males and new female breeding stock.

We now sell animals, as breeding stock, fibre producers and pets, to all over the UK and offer for purchase a wide range of products (see Products and Contact pages): from raw fleece to balls of yarn, baby blankets to knee rugs, mittens to mufflers, and beanie hats to cardigans; all made from Cumbrian alpaca fibre.

WhyNot Alpacas? Why not indeed?

The size of the national herd is increasing daily, so WhyNot get in quick and start your own herd now? We pledge to do our best to help you.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This season we expect to add about twenty crias (babies), starting towards the end of April. If the past is anything to go by, each will be intriguingly different and delightful in his/her own way. So a visit will be well worthwhile. Meantime, there are many more delightful individuals waiting in the wings. So WhyNot ring 015396 21246 or 07812 158641, to make a plan to Come and See them? Both you and your children will be enchanted!