Mansfield college students get ready to welcome four-legged friends to new paddock

Community interest company Volunteer it Yourself enabled students to work with their mentor joiners to create a goat paddock, which will enhance their learning in caring for larger mammals on-campus.

The animal care team was keen to turn a grassed area of the animal unit’s garden into land suitable for goats.

A bid was proposed to VIY to create an enclosed paddock area suitable to an area for two young goats, which the animal care team are planning to welcome to the unit after Christmas.

Throughout November, up to 50 students from the level-one animal care and level-two employability groups have worked with ViY trade mentors to build new and strengthen existing fencing to create the enclosure.

Students worked to build two sheds for the goats to shelter in, as well as an activity ‘mountain’ for them to climb on.

Many of the students had never used carpentry and joinery tools before, but all secured an entry-level certificate in carpentry and joinery.

Since February, ViY has been supporting young people with work experience opportunities while helping regenerate 26 spaces throughout Nottinghamshire, including The Old Library in Mansfield town centre.

ViY offers young people opportunities to learn trade skills while helping to fix community spaces and places in need of improvement.

Stacey Allcock, animal care teacher, said: “It’s been a wonderful project to get our students involved in.

“We can’t wait to welcome two baby goats to their new home in the New Year.”