Bowmont wool

Bowmont sheep are a new rare breed. There are probably no more than 200 ewes in the country - most in Scotland , one flock in Wales and ours here in Devon . The original mix was 75% Merino (sourced from the very best in Australia ) and 25% Shetland and bred pure from then onwards. They were developed about 25 years ago by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute in Scotland to provide an extra source of income for hill farmers. Their exceptionally fine wool is in demand from hand spinners and also commercial processors in Japan who appreciate the superb worsted cloth which this wool produces.

Our sheep are the very best of the breed with no contamination by Shetland blood since the very first crossings 25 years ago. They produce wool as fine as some cashmere. Our best ram has a fleece of 15.8 microns. Like mohair, wool coarsens with age but our oldest ewe at 7 is still producing exceptional fleeces. Careful management is the key to a long productive life for these very special sheep. They require close attention to prevent damage to the fleece. Ours are housed for part of the winter when conditions here at 700' become extreme.

Hand spinners have recently reported on the fleece for the Journal of Weavers Spinners and Dyers and are delighted with the results. "The finest fleece I have ever spun - can't wait to get my hands on some more - lot's more!" was one comment.

If you have spun Merino you can spin Bowmont. Preparation of the raw fleece is very similar and we can offer plenty of advice and guidance for those who are uncertain! Currently we have only raw fleece but soon there will be fine yarn for sale at the same weight as our cashmere and mohair.