A Devon-based bedding brand and sheep breed society have forged an unlikely partnership that will help bring value to farmers’ wool and protect their future. Devon Duvets has announced a collaboration with the Devon Closewool Sheep Breeders’ Society, as part of its new limited edition ‘Rare Breeds’ range of luxury duvets.
A family-owned and run business, Devon Duvets has been individually handcrafting authentic 100% British wool-filled bedding for over 15 years, at their workshops on the edge of Dartmoor. The company was conceived in 2008, founded on the ethos of supporting the nation’s sheep farmers by using their wool to craft luxurious natural and sustainable products that help people to sleep better.
Almost exclusively bred in Devon, the Devon Closewool is the first rare breed to have been chosen to provide high quality wool for the range which, after shearing in early summer, is cleaned and needled before being individually handcrafted into duvets by a team of professional seamstresses.
Pauline Beijen, co-founder and director of Devon Duvets, said: “We founded Devon Duvets on our commitment to helping British sheep farmers, who for many years were struggling to sell their fleeces for a fair price. Over the years by making our products, we have helped to raise awareness of the wonderful qualities of wool, leading to a sharp increase in the market share for wool bedding.
“Choosing a rare breeds sheep wool duvet means choosing a piece of history, a connection to the land and supports our continuing commitment to sustainable products and practices.”
As with all their suppliers, Devon Duvets will ensure that the Devon Closewool farmers obtain a premium price for their wool; and will highlight the importance of this historic breed - having originated around the mid 1800’s when Exmoor Horns were crossed with Devon Longwools.
Once hugely popular, Devon Closewools fell out of favour when intensive farming practices became the driver, superseded by the more prolific Mule ewe which carried less wool and more lambs. Due to low numbers and limited genetic diversity, the Closewool is categorised as an ‘at risk’ breed on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s (RBST) 2023-24 Watchlist.
John Witheridge, president of the Devon Closewool Sheep Breeders’ Society, said: “We are delighted to be supplying Devon Duvets with the wool from our wonderful, rare breed sheep for this special project. A company with sustainability at its core, Devon Duvets is helping to raise the awareness of the quality and versatility of this locally sourced natural product and we are very excited to be on board.”
A percentage of the sales of the Rare Breeds duvet range will be donated to the RBST, which since its formation in 1973 has been working to conserve and promote native livestock and equine breeds.
Christopher Price, chief executive of the RBST, added: “Devon Duvets are to be congratulated for investing in this new range. It is wonderful to see a native breed wool being used in this way. Our native sheep breeds were bred to live in particular landscapes and habitats, to meet the needs of local populations.
“The Devon Closewool produces a dense, medium-length fleece, ideal for bedding and is almost synonymous with Exmoor farming, so there could not be a better breed to use to launch the collection. We look forward to working with Devon Duvets and fully anticipate this being just the start of a brilliant initiative.”
A 100% natural fibre, British wool has been especially prized for its quality. Naturally temperature regulating and dust mite resistant, wool has been proven through research to aid in a more restful sleep, helping with disturbances caused by night sweats or allergies.
