smallholding
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Wool’s Journey: From Fleece to Finished Yarn
The story of wool is one of transformation, creativity, and tradition. Every skein of yarn tells a tale, beginning with a flock of sheep grazing on the hills and fields. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating journey that wool takes from fleece to finished yarn, with a special focus on the sustainable practices we…
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An Open Letter to British Wool: The Disenfranchisement of Small Wool Producers
Yesterday, I stepped away from the usual grind for a much-needed day of woolly shenanigans at the Wool Museum in Drefach Felindre. It was fabulous to catch up with many familiar faces, including Sascha, Jane, Michelle, Sara and Debby. The event we attended marked the launch of the Welsh Wool label and traceability scheme—a monumental…
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The Charm of Shetland Sheep and Their Remarkable Wool
Nestled in the remote Shetland Islands of Scotland, a unique breed of sheep thrives in the harsh, yet breath taking landscape. Shetland sheep, with their hardy nature and captivating history, are renowned not only for their resilience but also for their exceptional wool. This blog post delves into the allure of Shetland sheep and the…
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The Charm of Balwen Sheep and Their Unique Wool
Nestled in the rolling hills of Wales, the Balwen Welsh Mountain sheep is a breed that captivates both shepherds and fibre enthusiasts alike. Known for their distinctive markings and hardy nature, these sheep are not just a delight to the eye but also a source of unique and versatile wool. A Brief History of the…
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Discovering Torddu Sheep and Their Remarkable Wool
Sybil and Angua in my flock are two of the most friendly little girls and they are utter mischief makers! BUT why do I have them in my fibre flock?? Let’s have a look at the Torddu breed today! In the heart of Wales, a breed of sheep known as Torddu is quietly making a…
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The Charm of Beulah Sheep: A Closer Look at Their Wool
As my first ever sheep was a beautiful Beulah called Wanda and the Beulah genes are still in the flock thanks to Faith. I wanted to write a little about the Beulah wool qualities we love! Nestled in the verdant landscapes of the Welsh hills, the Beulah Speckled Face sheep are a sight to behold…
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The Versatile Llanwenog Sheep: A Heritage Breed with Exceptional Wool
The Llanwenog sheep, a charming and versatile breed hailing from the lush landscapes locally here in West Wales, is a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional farming practices. Known for their hardiness, docile nature, and exceptional wool, Llanwenog sheep have become a cherished breed among farmers and wool enthusiasts alike. In this blog post,…
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The Slugs are Coming!!!
But please don’t get out the slug pellets!! As they have such a detrimental effect on our wildlife, for example poisoning our now at risk hedgehogs!! Using wool in the garden can be an effective way to deter slugs. Here’s how you can utilise it: Besides deterring slugs, wool has the added benefits of retaining…
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All a huge learning curve
Flystrike again! Poor sheep are now treated and awaiting another treatment in a couple of days!
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The Benefits of Wool – and it’s many uses
So wool has many uses other than as clothing!!! Clothing as previously discussed in the first blog post of this title Carpets Blankets Bedding, both blankets and duvets or Baavets (as one company call themselves!!) Mulch or weed suppressant mats to put round plants. There is also the added benefit of moisture conservation! Fertiliser. It…