Prized Exmoor wool is the stuff of dreams for Devon bed maker

BREEDERS of one of the Westcountry’s oldest and rarest native sheep breeds, the Exmoor Horn, are to benefit from a special new collaboration.

Plymouth-based luxury bed maker, Vispring, will be launching a limited edition mattress on Monday, October 4 to mark the start of the Campaign for Wool’s annual Wool Week.

Crafted by hand, the company, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2021, says the ‘Lana’ is filled with a “sumptuous blend of locally sourced Exmoor Horn wool”, cotton and TENCEL™ a sustainable fibre produced from tree pulp.

Vispring will purchase almost the entire yearly Exmoor Horn clip and for every mattress produced, it will donate a percentage directly back to the farmers.

Commenting on the deal, Chris Harrison, Vispring’s operations director, said: “We are delighted to be using such a wonderful, locally sourced wool in our Lana mattress and hope our collaboration will raise awareness of the Exmoor Horn sheep breed to help ensure its continuation for generations to come.

Originating from the high hills of Exmoor National Park, the Exmoor Horn is one of Britain’s oldest native breeds - perfectly adapted to thrive off sparse upland hill pasture and withstand

harsh winters. Prized for its lamb and mutton, the hill breed also produces a very fine fleece which is of excellent colour, good staple length and quality.

Featured on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s (RBST) 2021-22 Watchlist, a combination of reduced numbers, disease threats and Government policy - all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic - mean the Exmoor Horn is at risk from many factors.

Lindy Head, a member of the Exmoor Horn Sheep Breeders’ Society, said: “Our sheep produce a special, uniquely strong wool and we are thrilled that Vispring is shining a light on this valuable, sustainable resource.”

Mr Harrison added: “Naturally

renewable, fine quality, British wool is a key ingredient across Vispring’s opulent range of beds and mattresses and this charitable donation comes as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting producers.”

Wool Week will feature a variety of events that celebrate wool throughout October, organised by the Campaign for Wool. Now in its eleventh year, the campaign is a global endeavour initiated by its patron, the Prince of Wales, to raise public awareness about the unique, natural, renewable and biodegradable benefits offered by the fibre.

For further details, please visit the website www.vispring.com or www.campaignforwool.org

Lucott Farm A flock of Exmoor Horn sheep at Lucott Farm on Exmoor and, inset, the limited edition Lana mattress due to be launched by luxury bed maker Vispring next month