You may have seen some of our new photography in recent months, earlier this year we visited the Lake District, (home of the Herdwick sheep) to shoot our new Hembury chair in the environment from which our wool comes.
In late Spring we spent a fascinating, and slightly muddy few days in the Western Lakes near Thirlmere, on a farm where a young shepherd works the land safeguarding a 500 strong flock of Herdwick sheep.
We were able to see the Herdwick in their environment, and find out how this rugged terrain has been shaped by this breed for centuries. There is so much beauty in the landscape and the Herdwick. From the tough, resilient nature of the Herdwick breed to the remarkable natural beauty of their fleece - we see all these characteristics within the structure of our beautiful Solidwool composite.
We learned that without the Herdwick, the Lakes would be a very different place. This herd live high on the fells, and this young shepherd tends them in the place they have always been. Anyone who has been to the Lakes may have noticed the sparsity of stone walls, as the Herdwick roam over vast areas of England’s highest mountains. Some of these areas, known as ‘hefts’ have been established for centuries. The Herdwick’s natural instinct keeps them tethered to the place they have always known, the knowledge of their heft is passed on from ewe to lamb. This is this reason around 95% of the breed are found within 14 miles of Coniston Water.
Life in the lakes for both the farmer and sheep can be harsh. At one point in time, Herdwick fleece was the most undervalued and lowest price wool in the UK, even today it remains hugely underappreciated. We were told of the struggles of selling these fleeces for a fair price, with many neighbouring farms resorting to burning their wool.
It is stories like this that drive our passion for Solidwool. It doesn't just affect the Herdwick but many breeds all over the UK. Visiting the farms and people behind Solidwool we hope to spread the word of the importance of British wool and those who keep the production of this incredible material alive.