A little about us
Fernhill Farm is a verified regenerative* eco farm and events venue atop the Mendip Hills, in Somerset, England. Owners Andy and Jen run commercial flocks of approximately 3000 Romney Shetland sheep selectively bred for fine colourful fibre, mature meat qualities, hardiness and their ability to restore biodiversity when continually grazing in larger nomadic-style flocks.
Trained in animal science and Holistic Management, we use our instinctive research to identify strong genetic traits for both meat and wool from mob grazing systems to also create our specialist LUSTRE FLOCK, we refer to as Best of British Six:
Shetland for native shades and fineness
Romney adds length and volume / year
BFL adds crimp and lowers the micron
Teeswater gives us long bright white silky spiral curls
Wensleydale adds superior length within each individual lock
LLW adds lustre, strength and length
Our lustre flock offers superior, soft, long locks in all the native shades, from a hugely prolific flock entirely grass fed, blade shorn and content to be out on grazing whatever the weather. Their mothering abilities are second to none and when we have happy sheep, we are happy shepherds.
Fibres which are 20-25cm in length are offered as ultra long craft curls to hand crafters, and our >20cm ranges create our worsted yarns. A decade in the making, we are truly delighted with our soft, silky, strong, naturally coloured, fully worsted yarns that knit or weave or felt with ease.
We sell Fleece and Roving’s by the kg, Colourful Curly Locks in smaller craft-sized bundles, and welcome bulk orders for raw Fleece, with the additional options for commission washing, spinning, blending, dyeing and weaving. Entrusting UK processors to maintain traceability and transparency through these transformation processes, we choose gentle chemical-free methods that enhance our soft, bouncy, lustrous fibres - contact us here to discuss your request.
We continually design our own working style garments suited to outdoor busy lives and supply blends of British Sheep wool products, including yarn, woven goods, felt for crafters, accessories and gifts in our shops.
Proud to be the fibre behind UK-based businesses such as Annabel Williams, Barn 2 Yarn, Bellacouche, Bristol Cloth, Garthenor, Marina Skua, Maud Goldberg, Ria Burns, The Lace Knittery, Wivey Weaver, The Industrious Maker and now the The Handloom Room, it gives us great pleasure to supply great British wool to local artisan designers.
On the farm, as well as festivals and parties, we host craft workshops and educational visits for those interested in learning about natural materials and gaining new skills. We're happy to play host to fibre retreats and attend events organised by others. Get in touch if you'd like to book our venue or your group wishes to pre-book our Educational Access farm tours.
*Read all about our farm certification with A greener World here and becoming verified as regenerative in 2021
If you have a question, check out our FAQ as it might be one that comes up a lot! If it's not there, do send us an email and we'll gladly give you more information.