What does unskirted fleece mean?
Skirting is the process of removing heavily soiled or lower-quality sections from a fleece. This product is unskirted, so packs may contain stained fibres, vegetation, dirt and other natural farm matter.
British Romney Raw Fleece for Garden & Outdoor Projects
Unwashed and unskirted British Romney fleece from our flock, supplied for garden, allotment and suitable outdoor projects. Use it as a natural mulch around established plants, as an insulating layer around compost bins or for other practical applications where raw fleece is appropriate. Available in 250g, 500g and 1kg packs.
Options Available
1kg Raw Romney Fleece
£8.00
500g Raw Romney Fleece
£4.00
250g Raw Romney Fleece
£2.00
Click to select item
£8.00
Selected Option:
1kg Raw Romney Fleece
Description
Put raw British wool to practical use in your garden, allotment or outdoor project.
This Romney fleece comes directly from our sheep and is supplied completely raw. It has not been washed, scoured, skirted, carded, treated or bleached.
Raw wool can be laid around established plants as a natural mulch, where it may help reduce evaporation from the soil and suppress some weed growth. It can also be used around compost bins as an insulating layer or incorporated into other suitable outdoor projects.
Some gardeners also use raw fleece as a physical barrier around plants vulnerable to slugs and snails. Customer reviews report positive experiences, but results will vary according to conditions, placement and local pest pressure. It should not be treated as a guaranteed method of pest control.
Suitable uses include:
- Mulching around established plants
- Helping soil retain moisture
- Suppressing some weed growth
- Insulating the exterior of compost bins
- Allotment and garden experiments
- Suitable beekeeping projects
- Outdoor craft and educational projects
Available pack sizes:
- 250g
- 500g
- 1kg
Because this fleece is unwashed and unskirted, it will contain lanolin and may include grass, seeds, straw, soil, dust, stained fibres, heavily soiled sections and other natural farm matter. It may also have a noticeable sheep or lanolin smell, particularly when warm or damp.
The fleece is sold by weight and may consist of assorted sections rather than one complete fleece. Its appearance, colour and texture will vary between packs.
Wear gloves if preferred, wash your hands after handling and keep raw fleece away from food-preparation areas.
This product has not been treated against moths, pests or fire and is not certified for use as building insulation.
£8.00
Selected Option:
1kg Raw Romney Fleece
What can I use the fleece for in the garden?
It can be used as mulch around established plants, as an insulating layer around compost bins and for other suitable allotment or outdoor projects.
Can it help the soil retain moisture?
A layer of wool around established plants may help reduce evaporation and retain moisture in the soil. Results will vary according to soil, weather and how the wool is applied.
Will it stop slugs and snails?
It is a good deterrant for slugs and snails as wool has scales, the most important thing is ensuring that the wool stays in situ and that there are no gaps. We do reccomend our slug pellets as a better deterrant as this can be mulched into a felted mat that then stays in position.
How should I place it around plants?
Tease the fleece apart and place it around established plants without packing it tightly against delicate stems. Monitor moisture levels and plant health, as with any garden mulch.
Can I dig the fleece into the soil?
Wool breaks down slowly and can be incorporated into suitable garden or composting projects. Avoid adding large compacted clumps where they may restrict drainage or take a long time to decompose.
Can it be used around a compost bin?
Yes. Raw fleece can be placed around the exterior of a compost bin as an insulating layer. Secure it appropriately and protect it from being blown away or becoming excessively waterlogged.
Can I use it in a beehive?
Some customers use raw fleece in suitable insulated roof spaces. It should be securely contained and kept separate from the bees to prevent loose fibres causing entanglement or obstruction. Seek advice from an experienced beekeeper for your particular hive design.
Is this suitable for spinning or felting?
No, this is not skirted wool and it will come with a lot of organic matter, mixed fibres that are inconsistant for spinners.
Can I use it to stuff cushions, pillows or toys?
Not in its supplied state. The fleece is raw, unwashed and unskirted. Choose the washed-and-carded Romney wool stuffing product for cushions, pillows and suitable craft projects.
Will the fleece smell?
Raw fleece naturally smells of sheep and lanolin. The smell may become more noticeable when the wool is warm or damp.
Will the fleece contain dirt or vegetation?
Yes. As an unwashed, unskirted farm product, it may contain soil, grass, seeds, straw, stained fibres and other natural matter.
Is each pack identical?
No. The colour, texture, cleanliness and type of fleece sections will vary. The product is sold by weight rather than as a uniform prepared fibre.
Can I use this raw fleece as building insulation?
No. This fleece has not been treated or certified for building insulation, including treatment against moths, pests or fire. Use a purpose-made and appropriately certified sheep’s-wool insulation product for construction or renovation.
How should I store unused raw fleece?
Keep it dry, cool and protected from moths and other fibre pests. Do not seal damp fleece in plastic, as trapped moisture can cause deterioration.