This visit was arranged following the Social Xtra Talk, given by Dawn Goulding, the Alpaca Acres owner, on 28th March 2025 at Stanway Village Hall.

Alpaca Acres is a very happy animal community where love and affection between the animals themselves and their keepers is clearly visible to the onlooker.

Dawn, together with her daughter-in-law Paige, gave us a great tour and whilst doing so gave us lots of details about the animals and their individual personalities.

There was so much more to see than the title suggests, and it was so fascinating to see the animals clearly wanting to interact with their visitors.

Mini Pig fishing, whereby carrots are pushed into the holes of plastic perforated balls and attached to an elasticated line on a rod and then offered as a challenge to the pigs to trap, claim and eat. It was also a challenge to the rod holders to retain the rod. This all proved to be a great favorite amongst our group.

The Alpacas were so friendly particularly as many of us took part in feeding them, as were the guinea pigs who thoroughly enjoyed being held and stroked. The pigs also made it clear just how much they love to receive affection.

There were also a number of proud playful goats and kids, two rescued donkeys, runner ducks, an incredible-looking cockerel, and some special breed chickens.

Alpaca Acres is set in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and besides being visited for pure enjoyment it is a therapeutic haven for people with anxiety and special needs.

Our morning visit gave us all a very pleasant, interesting, and satisfying experience.