Lily Warne Wool
About Lily Warne…
Lily Warne Wool is a mother and son partnership founded and based at Twig Farm, our small family farm nestled on the edge of Dartmoor in Chudleigh, Devon where we keep a flock of pure Greyface Dartmoor sheep.
Our inspiration derives from our great-great-grandmother, ‘Lily Warne’. She was a sheep farmer at the turn of the 19th Century, just outside Chagford in Devon. She not only bred these wonderful Greyface Dartmoor sheep, but also turned the fleeces into wonderful garments just like we do today.
Only a few years ago we were spurred into action and decided to have the fleece from our first couple of Greyface Dartmoor sheep manufactured into our own wool. With the help of our grandmother Lily Warne Wool soon transpired. So keeping it local, our fleece is taken to a local Woolen Mill and spun into Aran wool which is now used by our local ladies to create our wonderful products both at the on farm studio and in their own homes in the community.
Our products can now be found throughout the UK and Lily Warne Wool has become a leading figure in the Devon Wool industry – pioneering the importance and excellence of 100% pure Devon Wool. We look forward to welcoming you into the Lily Warne community and keeping you updated with the news from the farm, the flock and the family.
The Greyface Dartmoor sheep…
The Greyface Dartmoor is also known as the Dartmoor or “Improved” Dartmoor. Attractive, quiet and easily handled the Dartmoor have their enthusiasts throughout the country and provide a natural focal point whenever they appear. Descended from the local breeds, which grazed the low ground in and around Dartmoor, they have an immensely strong constitution and a wonderfully heavy fleece which we use to create our lovely products.
The Dartmoor Sheep Breeders Association was established in 1909 to standardise, promote and develop the breed, which was well established in three areas, the South Hams, Tavistock and of course Chagford (the home of Lily Warne herself). Today flocks are kept throughout England,Wales and south of Scotland, some sheep have also been exported. However the breed still needs help and Lily Warne Wool is committed to helping ensure the survival of this breed that is and has always been integral to our family farming history.