LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Bringing the National Curriculum to life
Where classroom meets countryside
Learning outdoors and with animals provides a unique environment that is proven to stimulate curiosity and engagement.
Through hands-on activities and the daily care of our alpacas, children of all ages can explore key elements of the National Curriculum in subjects like English, Maths, PSHE, Biology, and Art.
By applying knowledge in real-world, meaningful contexts, learning becomes not only more enjoyable but also easier to understand and remember. Learning about the welfare needs of our animals and daily care routines can reinforce curriculum goals in a way that’s active, relevant, and lasting.
Tailored programmes
Suitable for groups of up to 8 children aged 5-14 (to be accompanied by required number of supervisory adults), our sessions are tailored to your school's or group's children's needs.
We can offer shorter one off sessions or a number of visits to explore topics in more detail which can be aligned to your National Curriculum KS1 – KS3 learning criteria. We will work closely with you to deliver an enjoyable, engaging, rich learning opportunity for your children.
Part of our barn has been adapted to provide an indoor classroom area, useful in all weather conditions.
English
Fun tasks can link literacy skills for all age groups- from hunt the letters to writing poetry or a care plan. These can be continued back in the classroom.
Maths
Maths comes to life as children calculate (and weigh out) the amount of feed for the alpacas based on their weight, or work out how many bales of hay will be needed over a year.
Science
There is so much to explore in science from ‘growing up’ to digestive systems and adaptations.
We discuss our new hedgerow and its impact to the environment.
PSHE
Learning about the needs of animals and experiencing first-hand how to care for alpacas is a valuable life lesson. Children are able to experience the well-being benefits of being with animals.
Art
Draw, paint or get creative using items found on the farm - flora, fur & feathers. There's plenty to inspire the budding artist
About Caroline
Caroline has worked as a doctor for over 30 years. Whilst she no longer sees patients, she works with medical students from the University of Plymouth as a Small Group Facilitator and Academic Tutor.
She is passionate about expanding her education roles into enabling children to learn outside the classroom as well as in it - in particular, to link academic learning to real-life situations.
She has completed CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme) which is part of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Education.
Caroline is supported at Allerton Alpacas by her husband, David, who is a partially retired doctor and also official chauffeur for the alpacas when the need arises.
As medical professionals, they greatly understand and value well-being, for which the alpacas, with their serene temperaments, contribute to - not just for them, but for everyone who spends time with them. Caroline aims to complete the CEVAS therapeutic route in 2026.
Caring for our alpacas has brought us closer to nature and back to what truly matters—compassion, patience, and the everyday joy of being present. Watching new life enter the world, being part of that process, and caring for our animals daily is a privilege we don’t take lightly.
Caroline Crossley
The Alpaca Connection
Our journey began in December 2020, when we moved to the beautiful village of Stone Allerton in Somerset. Just a few months later, a simple call for grazing land led to something unexpected and life-changing: our first alpacas arrived, grazing peacefully in our 3-acre field. From that moment, a deep fascination—and love—for these extraordinary animals took root.
Today, we are proud to care for a small, but growing herd of 15 alpacas. Most of our animals are huacayas, known for their fluffy, teddy-bear-like fleece, but we also have one striking suri alpaca. Our long-term goal is to begin breeding beautiful Appaloosa alpacas, known for their distinctive spotted coats.
As well as alpacas, we have a few chickens who like to join in with the alpacas at feeding times and we have recently planted an 80m hedgerow with 5 varieties of plants.
Our current project is getting our new 10-acre field up and running and ready to receive our boy alpacas and a few sheep. This field also has a 2-acre ancient orchard, which we are keen to maintain and rewild.
Stay with the Alpacas at The Old Forge
Come and stay on site in our beautiful and spacious single-story AirBnB - "The Old Forge"
As well as looking over the field of alpacas there are stunning countryside views. The inquisitive alpacas often get 'up close' to peek over into your comfortable outside seated area and Mackintosh, the cat is usually a frequent visitor.
Alpaca feeding experiences by arrangement.
Educational Journeys
Course participants learning about care of Alpacas and of course the chickens!
