More than 60 lambs have been born at the estate's Home Farm since the start of the year – three times as many as in the first two months of 2007.

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Farm service officer Shelley Rogerson said the Wensleydales were proving the most popular with visitors – possibly because of their blue faces and curly fleece.

She said the lambs' early arrival was because the farm's rams started breeding early.

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"They were put in a few weeks earlier this year," she said. "Hill flocks also generally lamb later, when the weather is a bit better and the grass is growing.

"Because we lamb inside we can have ours born earlier.

"We have also had several sets of triplets this year, which is quite uncommon."

Home Farm is the largest rare breeds centre of its kind in Europe.

It is also home to cattle, pigs, goats, chickens and ducks.

Farm manager David Bradley said the centre was a great day out for adults as well as children.

He said: "The best part of the job is meeting young children, they can get a lot out of it. The farm is very educational."

The farm is open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Entry is free to Leeds Card holders and under-fives, £2 for under-16s and £3 for over-16s. Ring (0113) 2645535.