By Mal Butler
Much-loved tourist attraction, West Wight Alpacas, is to close at the end of the season after 15 years.
The farm, owned by Neil and Michelle Payne, will retain a small number of alpacas and continue to operate its ‘Crackers About Alpacas’ shop in Yarmouth, as well as open a new shop in Lymington.
Neil said: “Tourism is not going well and the Island is not focussing on getting it put right; visitors are 35 per cent down compared to our pre-Covid levels.
“People’s holiday habits have also changed. Nowadays, people don’t come to the Island for long holidays, they go abroad for some sun. They tend to come here for a second holiday of a week, or a long weekend, and they don’t have much extra money to spend, especially when they’ve had to pay around £200 for a return trip on the ferry.”
“The last time the farm made money was in 2021. We have carried on putting more into the business but enough is enough.
“We want to do stuff that makes money. We will sell some acreage and keep some land with about 15 alpacas as well as run two shops. We also have a northern herd of alpacas, on the Scottish borders, so we will move our north-west Suris there.
“At the moment, we’re working seven days a week and I’m approaching 60. Life is precious and we want to do some travelling and other things while we can.”
To help their new shops, they have a Kniterate commercial knitting machine arriving soon. This will enable them to design and produce their own knitwear collections using their alpaca fleece, alongside fibre from other UK breeders.
Neil added: “We will be working with textile and fashion students, and look forward to developing a unique, high-quality range to sell in our shops and online.”
From Easter onwards, the farm will be open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, outside school holidays and seven days a week during the school holidays. The café will be closed, but it is hoped a visiting coffee van will be available during busy periods. Visitors are welcome to take a picnic.
Isle of Wight Observer