Severn Valley Alpacas is a family run agricultural smallholding set in the Severn Valley, roughly halfway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Andrew and Loraine Bassett breed and train alpacas alongside a small amount of seasonal produce, and open the farm up to visitors who want to spend time with the herd.
There is a good range of ways to meet the alpacas. Short treks and the longer maxi farm trek take you out into the countryside with an alpaca alongside you, while petting and feeding sessions offer a gentler introduction for younger visitors. Private countryside picnics and trail treks can be booked for groups, and gift vouchers and adoption packages make an unusual present for anyone fond of animals. Visits are run privately for your own group, with alpaca feed and refreshments included.
The farm also has a strong educational and wellbeing side. Schools, colleges and community groups come for animal husbandry sessions, and bespoke visits are arranged for nursing and care homes, charities and local groups. Loraine is a registered nurse of many years standing and leads the wellbeing work, which is built around the simple idea that time in the countryside and in the company of animals does people good. Children’s birthday parties, corporate days and holistic therapy sessions can all be arranged.
Alongside the alpacas, a small sales booth in the car park offers seasonal fruit and vegetables, eggs, alpaca fibre and alpaca manure. Booking ahead is essential, particularly during school holidays when the farm fills up quickly, and it is worth reading the farm’s directions before setting out as it sits along a country lane.
