Shearing Season on Romney Marsh: Why We Shear Our Sheep and the Remarkable Story Behind Their Wool
As summer arrives on Romney Marsh, one of the most important jobs in the farming calendar is well underway – shearing season.
For many people, shearing is simply the process of removing a sheep's wool. However, for sheep farmers, shearing is a vital part of animal welfare, flock management and the journey that transforms a natural fleece into the wool products we use every day.
At Romney Marsh Wools, shearing is now in full swing, although like many farming activities, progress depends very much on the weather. Sheep must be dry before they can be shorn, both for their welfare and to ensure the fleece remains in good condition.
Why Do Sheep Need Shearing?
Domesticated sheep have been selectively bred over many centuries to grow wool continuously. Unlike wild sheep, they do not naturally shed their fleece.
As temperatures rise during the summer months, a full fleece can become increasingly uncomfortable. A wet fleece can also become surprisingly heavy, carrying significant amounts of water after rainfall. By removing the fleece, sheep are able to stay cooler and more comfortable throughout the warmer months.
Shearing also allows farmers to carry out a close inspection of every sheep, checking their overall health and condition while helping to reduce the risk of problems such as flystrike.
Put simply, shearing is an essential part of good sheep husbandry and animal welfare.
Shearing Sheep in the Field
Unlike some larger indoor operations, many of our sheep are shorn in the very fields where they graze.
Temporary pens are set up, sheep are gathered in, and each animal is carefully handled while its fleece is removed using electric shearing equipment. The process is carried out as efficiently as possible to minimise stress on the sheep while ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.
Shearing is a physically demanding job requiring strength, skill and experience. At Romney Marsh Wools, the sheep are shorn by Paul, who has been shearing since he was just 14 years old.
Like many farming skills, shearing is learned through years of practice and remains an important rural craft that is passed from one generation to the next.
For young farmers interested in learning this valuable skill, British Wool offers shearing courses and recognised qualifications that help train the next generation of professional shearers.
The Beauty of Romney Wool
Once removed, each fleece reveals one of Britain's most versatile and underrated natural fibres.
Romney wool is renowned for its beautiful semi-lustrous appearance, giving the fleece a natural sheen that reflects the quality of the fibre. It is durable, versatile and highly valued by hand spinners, knitters and textile makers.
In fact, Romney wool is often recommended as one of the best beginner's spinning fibres. The wool fibres have a natural grip which allows them to hold together easily during the spinning process, making them more forgiving than some finer or more slippery breeds.
This unique combination of strength, softness and ease of spinning has helped make Romney wool a favourite amongst fibre enthusiasts around the world.
Nature's Moisturiser: The Benefits of Lanolin
Hidden within every fleece is another remarkable natural product – lanolin.
Lanolin is a waxy substance naturally produced by sheep to protect both their skin and wool from the elements. It helps keep the fleece healthy, provides water resistance and acts as a natural barrier against wind and rain.
This extraordinary substance has been valued by humans for centuries. Lanolin closely resembles the natural oils found in human skin, making it highly effective at moisturising, softening and protecting dry skin.
Today, lanolin is widely used in skincare products, lip balms, hand creams, ointments and traditional wool-fat toiletries.
At Romney Marsh Wools, lanolin forms the heart of many of our traditional skincare products, allowing us to celebrate one of nature's most effective moisturisers while making full use of this wonderful natural resource.
More Than Just Wool
For us, shearing season represents far more than simply collecting wool.
Every fleece tells the story of the sheep that grew it, the landscape it came from and the generations of farming knowledge that helped produce it.
From grazing on the rich pastures of Romney Marsh to becoming yarn, textiles, bedding, insulation, skincare products and more, wool remains one of the most sustainable and versatile natural fibres available.
As shearing continues over the coming weeks, we are reminded once again that wool is not a by-product. It is a remarkable renewable resource, grown naturally by sheep and capable of providing warmth, comfort and wellbeing in countless ways.
A true gift from sheep to us.
Interested in learning more about Romney wool and the products created from it?
Visit Romney Marsh Wools to discover our range of British wool products, traditional lanolin toiletries and the story behind one of Britain's most iconic sheep breeds.