BAS Registered
All alpacas are fully registered with the British Alpaca Society with documented pedigrees and health records.
The story of Derek Moore, Hampshire alpaca breeder — from a small herd on Hensting Lane in 2009 to one of the South of England's most loved alpaca experiences.
My name is Derek Moore and I am the founder of Hensting Alpacas. The story began in 2009 on Hensting Lane in Hampshire — that is where the name comes from. I started with just a small number of alpacas and quickly discovered just how addictive and rewarding these animals are to breed and care for.
As the herd grew, so did the land. I expanded to Kiln Lane, where we developed the farm into a proper breeding operation, building the bloodlines and the reputation that Hensting Alpacas is known for today. Over those years I have overseen more than 150 cria births — every single one still a remarkable experience, no matter how many seasons you have been through.
In 2012 I launched the alpaca walking experience, one of the first of its kind in Hampshire. The idea was simple — let the public come and meet these gentle animals in their natural environment, walking alongside them through the Hampshire countryside. What started as a handful of bookings a week has grown into thousands of visitors a year.
In January 2025 we made our biggest move yet, relocating all our experiences to Itchen Valley Country Park in West End, Southampton. It is a stunning setting — 250 acres of woodland, water meadows, and river walks — and easily the finest home the herd has ever had. Itchen Valley has earned 16 consecutive Green Flag Awards for environmental excellence, and I am incredibly proud to be based there.
Today I run Hensting Alpacas as a sole trader, offering alpaca walking experiences, alpaca adoptions, breeding stock sales, and a small shop. Every alpaca in the herd is British Alpaca Society registered, and every animal gets the same level of daily care and attention it always has — right from those first few animals on Hensting Lane.
Derek Moore establishes Hensting Alpacas on Hensting Lane, Hampshire, with the farm's first small herd of BAS registered alpacas. The name Hensting comes directly from the lane — and it has stayed ever since.
Growing demand for quality breeding stock and a rapidly expanding herd led to a move to Kiln Lane. The farm develops into a full breeding operation with Suri and Huacaya lines, building champion bloodlines including Inca Grand Design stock.
Hensting Alpacas launches one of Hampshire's first public alpaca walking experiences. Visitors join guided walks through the Hampshire countryside, leading their own halter-trained alpaca. The experience quickly becomes the most popular alpaca walk in the region.
The alpaca adoption scheme launches, allowing people to sponsor one of the herd's alpacas, receive adoption packs, certificates, and updates — a new way to connect with the animals without full ownership.
Over twelve summers of successful cria seasons, the herd grows to over 40 animals. More than 150 crias are born and raised at Hensting Alpacas. The farm expands its sales operation, supplying breeding stock across the UK and as far as Italy.
Hensting Alpacas makes its most significant move — relocating all walking experiences to Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Southampton SO30 3HQ. The 250-acre Green Flag awarded park becomes the permanent home of the herd.
Every claim we make about our alpacas is backed by proper documentation and independent registration. Here is what you can verify when you buy from or visit Hensting Alpacas:
All alpacas are fully registered with the British Alpaca Society with documented pedigrees and health records.
Based at a 16-times Green Flag award-winning park — independently recognised for the highest environmental and welfare standards.
Over 15 years of hands-on cria management. Experience you simply cannot replicate from books or courses.
Independently verified reviews on TripAdvisor and Google from thousands of visitors across Hampshire and beyond.
We have sold breeding stock across the UK and internationally — including recent exports to Italy — demonstrating trust in our bloodlines.
Hensting Alpacas is a VAT-registered sole trader. VAT No. 321 627 232. All purchases can be invoiced accordingly.
Hensting Alpacas is built around four core services, all run personally by Derek from our base at Itchen Valley Country Park:
We are based at Itchen Valley Country Park, just 10 minutes from Southampton city centre and easily accessible from Winchester, Eastleigh, Portsmouth, and the M27.
Hensting Alpacas
Itchen Valley Country Park
Allington Lane, West End
Southampton, SO30 3HQ
Parking is available at the country park (ANPR pay on exit). Look for our feather flag in the first car park on the left as you enter.
Whether you want to walk with an alpaca, adopt one, or buy breeding stock — we would love to hear from you.
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