A TRIP to Kerry Gwillym’s home is bound to be a hoppy experience - with 35 rabbits to meet.

But that figure is nothing for the breeder of English Lop rabbits and Himilayan rabbits who was once the proud owner of a staggering 84 rabbits.

And now after breeding English Lop rabbits for two years, Ms Gwillym, of Dale Path, Fairwater, is starting to enjoy some success with her pets after entering them into shows.

This has included her rabbit Winston taking the Sue Boobier memorial cup at the Devon County Show for being the best of breed out of seven entrants. Winston also came in fifth place in the whole competition, which involves all breeds of rabbits, out of 123 entrants.

The rabbit was also named the ‘best lop’ at the Bromyard gala in Herefordshire, and came third in the overall competition out of 95 entrants.

Another one of her other English lop rabbits Shogun is also proving promising after being entered into a number of shows and Ms Gwillym is hopeful that this is the start of a roll of winning titles.

She is now looking forward to many more shows including the Usk Show next month.

She said: “It’s taken a long time to get to where I’ve got.”

After originally owning 84 rabbits, for which Ms Gwillym had to hire a farm building, she has now downsized to 35 rabbits, which are of both the English Lop and Himilayan breeds, and live in the garden at her home.

Previously a fan of horses, she first became interested in breeding the rabbits after son Chace, now aged two and a half, was born.

The birth of her son meant she had to give up working with the horses but she still wanted to do something to provide her with a social scene.

She said: “I was thinking what can I do and I’ve always been around animals.

“I wanted to have a social circle of friends and go out as well as being a mum. This has allowed me to get more out and about and go to the agricultural shows in the summer as well as having the kids.”

Ms Gwillym, who lives with partner Byron and also has a second child Fenn, three months, is now a member of the Welsh National Rabbit Club and a press rep for the National English Lop Club.

Anyone interested in taking up rabbit breeding can contact Ms Gwillym on 01633 300091.