Established in the spring of 2000, the WhyNot Alpacas herd now numbers more than seventy alpacas, putting it amongst the largest in the North West of England. We have extensive old pastures at Ghyllas, on the edge of Cumbria’s Howgill Fells, overlooking the thriving 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.

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.

Alpacas are herd animals, and we began our herd with four females. The first summer, one male and three female crias were born. Our original four alpacas 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: from dog beds to duvets, mittens to mufflers; all made from Cumbrian alpaca fibre.

Why Not 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.