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.
A one day course on alpaca conformation and fibre.
Covering:
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.
Cost: BAS Members £ 65 + VAT Non Members £85 + VAT
This course will only run if there is a minimum of 8 people.
Regional groups are encouraged to arrange for this course to be held locally for the benefit of their members.
The next evaluation course:
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: 2, 3 and 4th December 2022
Venue: Toft near Dunchurch
For full details click here
Cost: The course costs £395 + VAT (BAS members) or £495 + VAT (non-members).
This course builds on the intermediate alpaca assessment course.
Date:
Venue:
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 30th March 2023 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | GL53 9NJ (Gloucs) |
Title | Basic Alpaca Husbandry |
Modules | Modules 1-3 |
More Info | www.cotswoldalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | 07799 785 719 |
Date/Time | 1st April 2023 9.30 to 4.00 pm (approx.) |
County (Postcode) | Yorks, YO61 4PD |
Title | Birthing modules workshop |
Modules | Modules 8 |
More Info & to book | beacon.alpacas@yahoo.co.uk. |
Contact | Jacki Barlow 07716917315 |
Date/Time | Saturday 1st April 2023 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | Devon (EX34 8NA) |
Title | Introduction to Alpacas: Husbandry, Health & Handling |
Modules | 1,2,3 |
More Info | www.mullacottalpacas.com |
Contact | Katebrookes2@gmail.com |
Date/Time | Sunday 2nd April 2023 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | Devon (EX34 8NA) |
Title | Breeding, Birthing and Cria |
Modules | All modules (Breeding, Birthing & Cria only) |
More Info | www.mullacottalpacas.com |
Contact | Katebrookes2@gmail.com |
Date | Wednesday 19th April 23 10am-4pm |
County | Hertfordshire |
Location | Yew Tree Alpacas, Anstey near Buntingford, SG90DA |
Title | Shearing Day Essentials & uses for your Fleece |
Modules | 5 & 6 |
Info & Booking | Alpaca Courses & Workshops (yewtreealpacas.co.uk) |
Contact | Penny Wylie on penny@yewtreealpacas.co.uk
Tel: 01763 848257 |
Date/Time | Sunday 30th April 2023 10.00 -4.30 |
County (Postcode) | Wrexham (LL13 0NA) |
Title | Introduction to Alpacas: Husbandry, Health & Handling |
Modules | 1,2, & 3 |
More Info | www.mulberryalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | harry.mulberry@me.com |
Date/Time | 21st May 2023 9.30 to 4.00 pm (approx.) |
County (Postcode) | Yorks, YO61 4PD |
Title | Introduction to Alpacas: Husbandry & Handling |
Modules | Modules 1 – 5 workshop |
More Info & to book | beacon.alpacas@yahoo.co.uk. |
Contact | Jacki Barlow 07716917315 |
Date/Time | Sunday 4th June 2023 10.00 -4.30 |
County (Postcode) | Wrexham (LL13 0NA) |
Title | Introduction to Alpacas: Husbandry, Health & Handling |
Modules | 1,2, & 3 |
More Info | www.mulberryalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | harry.mulberry@me.com |
Date/Time | Thursday 27th July 2023 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | GL53 9NJ (Gloucs) |
Title | Basic Alpaca Husbandry |
Modules | Modules 1-3 |
More Info | www.cotswoldalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | 07799 785 719 |
Date/Time | Sunday 30th July 2023 10.00 – 4.30 |
County (Postcode) | Wrexham (LL13 0NA) |
Title | Introduction to Alpaca Management 2 |
Modules | 4, 5 & 6 |
More Info | www.mulberryalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | harry.mulberry@me.com
|
Date/Time | Sunday 3rd Sept 2023 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | GL53 9NJ (Gloucs) |
Title | Basic Alpaca Husbandry |
Modules | Modules 1-3 |
More Info | www.cotswoldalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | 07799 785 719 |
Date/Time | Thursday 9th November 2023 10:00 – 16:30 |
County (Postcode) | GL53 9NJ (Gloucs) |
Title | Basic Alpaca Husbandry |
Modules | Modules 1-3 |
More Info | www.cotswoldalpacas.co.uk |
Contact | 07799 785 719 |
Join the British Alpaca Society today and become part of a national community, dedicated to all things alpaca. Membership offers knowledge, networking and support to help you protect your investment and work towards your own alpaca aspiration.