GREEN SHEEP
Image: Courtesy of Romney Marsh Wools
Established in 2008, Romney Marsh Wools is owned and run by Kristina and Paul Boulden, and is based on their family farm on the Romney Marsh, in Kent, England. Here the Bouldens tend a flock of some 1,200 Romney ewes, and 150 Merino ewes.
Image: Courtesy of Romney Marsh Wools
The Romney Sheep have been in the family for at least six generations, possibly more. Currently numbering some 1,000 ewes, the Romney are considered to be one of the finer British breeds for fleeces. The Romney, also known as the Kent sheep, is a ‘longwool’ sheep, and was a recognised breed in England as early as 1800. Supremely adaptable, the fleeces are cream, semi-lustrous and, thanks to their versatility, a popular choice for knitting wool, knitting yarn, and cloth.
Image: Courtesy of Romney Marsh Wools
The Boulden’s Merino knitting wool has been developed down to as fine as 9 microns, which means that it is more than five times finer than a human hair. For this reason, those who are allergic, or cannot wear wool because it irritates their sensitive skin, are usually able to wear Merino wool.
Image: Courtesy of Romney Marsh Wools
Romney take all their fleeces to traditional weavers, who hand process, spin, and weave the yarn into beautiful wool rugs and wool throws, with a unique quality attributable to the Romney wool.
Image: Courtesy of Romney Marsh Wools
Romney Marsh Wools was born through a firm belief in the benefits British wool can bring as a naturally renewable, sustainable, and incredibly versatile material.
Image: Courtesy of Romney Marsh Wools
Romney Marsh Wools already have a list of green policies and credentials, including pledges to conserve the historic Romney Marsh pasture, having a minimal impact on the community, and creating products that are naturally processed, with no synthetic dyes or damaging chemicals.
Always passionate about sustainability, last month Romney Marsh Wools were officially accredited as carbon neutral by Net Zero. It’s a huge milestone on their journey to becoming a fully carbon-neutral business, ever more sustainable, and to building a better future for our planet.
Image: Courtesy of Romney Marsh Wools
On Wednesday 14 December 2022, Romney Marsh Wools will be joining SELVEDGE for our panel discussion on wool. Do come along.