A Horndean care home was full of animal mischief on last week when lambs from Em’s Friendly Farm came to visit.

Nothing says spring time like newborn animals and at Barchester’s Bere Grove Care Home, residents were pleasantly surprised to see lambs roaming around their garden. Staff and residents were given the opportunity to feed them and hold them, bringing joy to many people.

Diana, general manager, said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their unusual visitors today. We knew that having the lambs here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus. We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we have seen the seen the enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”

Resident Suzanne was very excited and touched by the lambs, she said: “As a child I used to love all the animals on the nearby farm. Today was very enjoyable and it was wonderful that the lambs were free to roam amongst us.”

Bere Grove care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Bere Grove provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.