The British Alpaca Society is keen to promote education and training for its members and the general public in all aspects of alpaca ownership and management. The society offers two types of training:
Many BAS members offer courses for people interested in alpacas and alpaca fibre. Scroll down to see what’s on offer in your area.
Introduction to Alpaca Assessment
A one day course on alpaca conformation and fibre.
Basic conformation including teeth, stature, genitalia, legs, gait and body scoring;
Fleece – how to recognise the different qualities and traits of fibre including weight and value, fineness, density, crimp, uniformity, length, colour, amplitude and frequency and an introduction to histograms. You will have the opportunity to assess fleeces and discuss the merits of different qualities and styles.
Course notes will be provided including a glossary of terms.
There will be a maximum of 12 people on the day.
Regional groups are encouraged to arrange for this course to be held locally for the benefit of their members.
The next evaluation course: TBC
Cost Face to Face: BAS Members £ 85 + VAT Non Members £105 + VAT – for face to face
Cost by Zoom: BAS Members £ 50 + VAT Non Members £70 + VAT –
Intermediate Alpaca Assessment
Intermediate Alpaca Assessment (was Foundation): A three day course for BAS members, non members or overseas guests on assessing alpaca conformation and fleece. This course is a comprehensive package in basic alpaca assessment and applicable to all, as well as being a prerequisite for those wishing to enter the BAS judge training scheme.
Date: 28 Feb, 1 and 2 March 2025
Venue: Beck Brow, Cumbria
For full details click here
Cost: The course costs £395 + VAT (BAS members) or £495 + VAT (non-members).
Advanced Alpaca Assessment
This course builds on the intermediate alpaca assessment course.
Follow this link for more details
Date: 16/17 November 2024
Venue: CS Alpacas
Cost: The course costs £450 (BAS members)
BAS Affiliate Courses*
Courses offered by BAS Affiliate Trainers are from the set of 9 approved by the Society:
Module 1: Feeding and basic management
Module 2: Vaccination, Supplements, Illness and Ailments
Module 3: Handling Alpacas
3a) Herding and catching
3b) Fitting a head collar
3c) Basic Halter Training
Module 4: The Alpaca – What to look for
Module 5: Understanding shearing day
Module 6: Fleece – what to do with it
Module 7: Breeding and mating
Module 8: Birthing
Module 9: Marketing your alpaca business
*(This course was revised and updated in October 2022 and was formerly 11 modules. The content remains the same)
Upcoming Courses
There are affiliates all over the country to find someone near you click here
Further contact details are available here – names, emails, and telephone numbers.
Apply directly to the breeder concerned.
Date/Time | Sunday 27th July 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | North Somerset (BS21 6RA) |
Title | Introduction to Alpacas – Husbandry & Handling |
Modules | 1-3 |
Contact | Alpaca Walking – Visit Our Farm – Cadbury Alpacas |
Further info | cadburyalpacas@yahoo.co.uk |
Date/Time | Saturday 14th Sept 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | North Somerset (BS21 6RA) |
Title | Introduction to Alpacas – Husbandry & Handling |
Modules | 1-3 |
Contact | Alpaca Walking – Visit Our Farm – Cadbury Alpacas |
Further info | cadburyalpacas@yahoo.co.uk |
Date/Time | Sunday 29th September |
County (Postcode) | Monmouthshire (NP16 6NS) |
Title | 1-3 Introduction to Alpacas: Husbandry, Health & Handling |
More Info | uskvalleyalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | info@uskvalleyalpacas.co.uk |