At the heart of the Fibreshed movement is acknowledging the land as the source of our textiles and farmers as the stewards of that land. The Fibreshed approach to textiles begins and ends with soil, whether in the form of a plant fibre, dye crop or animal fleece. At the SEE Fibreshed we are focusing on increasing the use and value of wool fleece for sheep farmers. For many reasons wool is currently undervalued. We are working to create a network with designers and farmers who want to invest in a regenerative textile system, underpinned by agroecological practices which improve biodiversity, soil health and nourish cyclical systems.

The ongoing challenge is to find farmers in the region who while providing us with food and fibres are working to restore the soils and biosphere. Many are doing so quietly and without publicity. The mapping project started in July 2022 to make these connections and explore farmers’ interest in being part of a fibre-focused project. Concurrently, we are identifying designers who are committed to working within a fibreshed system. Our intention is to offer a small number of designers the opportunity to work alongside the farmers and their flock, from raw material to finished textile product.

This guide, produced by South East and South West England Fibresheds, is an introduction to building partnerships between agroecological farmers and designers to restore wool supply networks in the British Isles that are beneficial for people and planet.

Packed with case studies, interviews and useful resources, it was launched at Oxford Real Farming Conference in January 2024.

The Guide is being sold and distributed through the South West Fibreshed. Use the link to purchase a copy here.

Photo: Joss McKinley of Wheatsheaf Farm

South East England Fibreshed are working in collaboration with DIRT to research the available supply and potential volume of biodynamic wool in the UK for fashion and interiors. We are working with farmers, processors and designers to facilitate conversations and create a network for the production of biodynamic soil-to-soil wool textiles. This project aims to meet the demand for fine wool regeneratively produced and processed in the UK.

Photo: A yarn sample spun by Toby Tottle with biodynamic Lleyn wool.