About Us
Background
Higher Hill Farm had previously been a successful wild boar farm - a good early example of farming diversification – but it had problems with escapees (there is still the occasional wild boar sighted in local woods). Unfortunately, after the wild boar left, most of the topsoil had gone too, leaving only stony ground, sucking bogs and head-high weeds. With no experience of animal husbandry (except cats), Sarah took up the search for the right livestock to help us bring the land back into "good heart". Having dismissed ostrich, bison, llamas, alpacas, cattle and 'normal sheep' the only animals she thought that could live comfortably off our land were goats, and the only goat breed that wouldn't jump over our fences were Angoras, who produce the lustrous fleece and fibre, mohair.
It took only one winter in our freezing, draughty stone farmhouse to discover the amazing benefits of their fabulous fleece on our feet. Mohair is warmer than sheep's wool and, being soft yet hard-wearing, it makes the perfect yarn for very soft, warm and hard-wearing socks. The children didn't much appreciate Harry's reluctance to buy heating oil but they became great fans of their "Momos", the Kid Mohair Explorer childrens socks we designed and had knitted in Leicestershire… and so The Wool Company took its first steps.
Sixteen years on and still on the farm, we know a great deal more about wool of all kinds than we did in 2006, and a lot more about goats, sheep, natural fibres and sustainability, but our passion for Mother Nature's technical fibre is as fresh as ever.
Our mission, hopes and values in more detail
Our long term mission is to revolutionise the textile industry by championing the superior sustainability, quality, and ethical value of wool and other natural fibres. We are committed to promoting ecological resilience through regenerative farming practices and slow fashion, supporting economic sustainability by empowering small and organic farmers, and enhancing social well-being by bolstering local communities and traditional crafts. At The Wool Company, we strive to deliver unparalleled quality and service, ensuring that each product not only meets but exceeds the expectations of eco-conscious consumers.
Sustainability
We advocate sustainability. Sustainability has been a central plank of our ethos since we started in 2006.
In general, Sustainability can be seen as built on three constituent pillars: Ecological, Economic and Social.
Ecological Sustainability: We are working on our objective to get to net zero. Candidly, this is a work in progress with significant challenges. We have already taken many steps on our path to achieve net zero by 2029. We advocate for agroforestry silvopasture, regenerative farming, slow fashion, minimal use of chemicals, and reduce, repair, reuse, recycle. Our products are made using 100% wool, be it wool from sheep, goat, alpaca, camel or yak; or a very high percentage wool mix. We have always tried to keep the use of manmade fibres (especially petrochemical textiles) to an absolute minimum, usually none at all.
Economic Sustainability: We try to work with small farmers (having been one of these for a while) and organic farmers, who provide public goods in their farming practices, as well as wool, spinners and mills that provide local employment and whose policies avoid outsourcing.
Social Sustainability: We try to support small, commune run or family-led businesses both in the UK and abroad. UK sheep farming provides much-needed employment in poor rural areas and supports isolated communities and traditional ways of life.
Find out more about the three pillars of sustainability here: -
Guided by our four principles, we source as many of our products as we can from the UK and Ireland: our famous sheepskins are mostly very local; from the southwest of England, and our extensive range of wool blankets includes many from our Yorkshire-based blanket manufacturers where English woollen mills have been scouring and weaving for hundreds of years. But our quest for quality takes us to places such as Portugal, Italy, Austria, India, Nepal, China, South Africa, even as far as New Zealand.
Visitors and Shop
The Wool Company, 9B Callywith Gate Industrial Estate, Launceston Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2RQ.
To visit us, please see how to find us here.
Customer Returns & Registered Office
The Wool Company Limited, Higher Hill Farm, Cardinham, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4EG.
No visitors here without prior appointment, thank you.
If you wish to return an item please see Customer Returns.
Registered Number: 10987888, VAT Registration Number: GB 896 5111 94.