Autumn 2024Calderbrook Alpacas – The delightful world of fluffy misfits

They say that life’s misfits are usually the most colourful characters. And that is certainly the case with this group of fluffy, sassy and mischievous alpacas, who reside in a field in Littleborough.

Tucked away in an idyllic setting close to Rochdale canal and the Summit Inn pub, Calderbrook Alpacas is a heartwarming and whimsical escape from the everyday grind. It’s populated by alpacas that are sold by breeders as pet boys due to various, minor imperfections that make them unsuitable for breeding.

However, they’re welcomed with open arms by owner Joanne Schembri, as she says these quirky misfits bring their own unique charm to the farm, delighting visitors with their cheeky antics, unusual toilet stances, and distinct personalities.

Established by Joanne in March 2019, Calderbrook Alpacas is dedicated to creating lasting memories and spreading joy. As Joanne puts it, her greatest pleasure is “creating memories for the public and making people smile.”

The therapeutic power of alpacas

Joanne Schembri is not just an alpaca enthusiast; she’s a qualified provider of Alpaca Assisted Activities with CPD certification.

Calderbrook Alpacas work closely with care homes, schools, children with additional needs and dementia patients, offering a unique form of therapy. Alpacas, with their gentle and calming presence, are particularly effective in reducing stress, increasing trust, and fostering social interaction. Their non-judgmental nature makes them ideal for therapeutic settings, aiding in both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Interacting with alpacas has well-documented physical and mental benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing anxiety. Joanne explains: “Alpacas are excellent at providing stress reduction, increasing trust, and creating socialisation opportunities for people. Who can resist getting up close to a fluffy alpaca?”

These activities can combat loneliness, promote empathy, encourage nurturing traits, and boost self-esteem and independence.

Embracing imperfection

Calderbrook Alpacas began with just six alpacas and has now grown to a herd of 14, plus Lambo the sheep, who amusingly thinks he’s an alpaca. Each alpaca at Calderbrook is a non-breeding male due to minor imperfections that you wouldn’t want to continue in a blood line, ensuring the highest standards of alpaca conformity and fleece quality in the alpaca world.

Joanne, fully licensed with an Animal Exhibition Licence from Rochdale MBC and fully insured for on and off site visits, has meticulously selected each alpaca from registered breeders across the UK. The farm’s dedication to quality and care shines through in every interaction.

Despite their imperfections, these alpacas are anything but ordinary. Their cheeky antics and unique personalities provide endless entertainment and a sense of calm. Joanne describes them as very ‘zen’ to be around, creating a peaceful and chilled atmosphere while also making people laugh.

A visit to Calderbrook Alpacas offers peace, tranquillity, and a chance to leave the stresses of life behind. It’s a unique and memorable experience, perfect for reuniting with long-lost family and friends amidst the beautiful surroundings of Littleborough.

Calderbrook Alpacas isn’t just about spending an hour out; it’s about immersing yourself in an environment that promotes well-being and happiness, whilst creating memories with these gentle, curious creatures.