Lambing season is one of the most exciting times in the farming calendar, and for visitors it is a magical chance to see new life on-farm as well as an opportunity for diversified enterprises.
These events help people connect with agriculture, learn where their food comes from and fall in love with farming.
Lambing events
But lambing events also bring some important responsibilities. Without the right precautions, visitors could become unwell.
In 2025, more than 700 people became ill with cryptosporidium after visiting lambing events. Many needed hospital care; these cases could have been avoided with proper safety precautions. People running these events are liable to Health and Safety Executive prosecution and personal injury claims, which can be for very large sums.
A safe event is a successful event for visitors, the animals and peace of mind. An unsafe event causes illness for customers, reputational damage to the farm and adversely effects all farms who open safely.
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That is why the National Farm Attraction Network and Farmers Guardian are calling on all farmers to put safety first this lambing season. With a bit of planning and a few simple steps, visitors can be given an amazing, memorable and safe day out.
Why safety really matters
Looking after visitors is not just about ticking boxes, it is about doing the right thing.
- Farmers set the standard: People trust the farmer to keep them safe and host farms have a duty to prioritise visitor safety.
- It is the law: Following Health and Safety Executive and UK Health Security Agency guidance protects you from potential investigations or legal issues.
- It protects the business: A single illness outbreak can damage your reputation and lead to serious financial losses.
Understanding the Risks
Even healthy farm animals can carry germs such as e. coli and cryptosporidium. These can cause upset stomachs, diarrhoea, and fever in people who touch animals, bedding or dirty surfaces – especially if they eat or drink before washing their hands.
Those most at risk include young children, pregnant women, older adults and anyone with a weaker immune system.
A few simple safety steps can make all the difference.
Key Safety Guidelines for Running a Safe Lambing Event
The following safety measures should be implemented by every farm open to visitors.
1. Hygiene protocols
- Visitors must not enter animal pens.
- Do not offer ‘lamb cuddling' sessions — they sound cute but carry a real infection risk.
- If choosing to run bottle feed sessions, establish separate bottle-feeding areas with barriers to prevent direct contact between lambs and visitors.
- Separate food, picnic and play areas from animal contact zones using double fencing.
- Set up handwashing stations on main visitor routes — make them obvious, clean and well-stocked with liquid soap, running water and paper towels.
- Remember – hand sanitiser is not enough, it must be proper handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect pens daily and make sure no animal waste or afterbirth can flow into public areas.
2. Visitor Management
- Keep visitors away from ewes and lambs for at least 48 hours after birth.
- Use friendly signs to inform visitors about the potential risks and importance of good hygiene practices.
- Everyone must wash hands after touching animals or pens and before eating.
- Remind parents and guardians to supervise the children in their care at all times and particularly in animal areas.
- Avoid crowding by limiting numbers inside barns and planning visitor routes.
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3. Risk Assessments and Insurance
Before the event:
- Conduct a written, site-specific risk assessment to identify where and how people might be exposed to germs.
- Review and update it every year or whenever your layout changes.
- Let your local Environmental Health Officer know about your plans.
- Make sure you have at least £5 million public liability insurance.
4. Effective staff training
- Make sure everyone on the team watches the National Farm Attractions Network lambing safety video before the event.
- Ensure staff understand risk assessments, hygiene protocols, visitor routes and emergency plans.
- Train staff in the importance of reminding visitors to wash their hands.
- Keep animal areas and touch points clean throughout the day.
5. Clear Signage and Communication
- Use bold, easy-to-read signs with clear icons for all ages.
- Reinforce hygiene messages in a friendly, positive tone.
- Offer brief introductions or announcements at the start of the visit.
- Provide viewing-only options for pregnant women and other vulnerable visitors.
- Add exit signs reminding everyone to wash their hands.
Help and Resources
FREE resources are available on the NFAN website to help with planning and running a safe, enjoyable lambing event.
Industry Code of Practice – the standard farms must work to.
Free National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN) training videos – quick, practical guides for staff and visitors.
Health and Safety Executive visitor safety guidance –official health and safety advice for open farms.
NFAN can be contacted via email on [email protected], over the phone on 03333 448 987 or by visiting farmattractions.net
