Ref. 29443-58THERE are plenty of signs that spring is just around the corner at Roves Farm.

The farm and visitor centre near Swindon has already welcomed newborn lambs and hosts of daffodils.

But this week staff at the farm, outside Highworth, were pleasantly surprised with several new arrivals, including twin lambs born to one of their older ewes, Old Daisy.

Meanwhile, Pip the pygmy goat, who is the first of four goats to give birth, is now the proud mother of three kids.

The triplets are doing very well but help is needed in naming them and now the staff are appealing for young visitors to come up with original suggestions for all three.

Rupert Burr, who runs the farm, said: "We want to see some original ideas of names for our three young goats.

"They will be growing up with the visitors around them and it would be wonderful if our younger visitors could name them."

The farm has also seen the birth of nine crossbred piglets, which are proving a big hit with visitors.

There are many other animals to see and enjoy at the farm, including chicks and rabbits, while the recent break in the cold weather has seen daffodils and budding pussy-willow across the farm.

Visitors can also take on one of the seven nature walks to see herons, moorhens and ducks in the wetland areas.

In addition, the farm has joined up with the Community Forest woodland and opened up connecting paths with Nightingale Woods.

To find out more about Roves Farm call 01793 763939 or visit www.rovesfarm.co.uk

Anthony Osborne