One of few farms in the UK producing merino yarns commercially. The resulting fleece re-localises merino in the Dartmoor landscape combining its renowned softness with the local characteristics of the native breed.
For many designers wool means merino, and merino means New Zealand or Australia. But Rushlade is one of few farms in the UK producing merino yarns commercially. Initially a traditional hill farm focussing on commercial meat breeds, a chance encounter at the local livestock market led to second generation farmers Jessica and husband Russ developing a fibre side to the farm business in 2017 which continues to grow.
Working with an ever-evolving mix of commercial Texel sheep as well as Teeswater, Dalebred and Herdwick, one of the most interesting outcomes from the Rushlade flock is the ‘Dartmoor Merino’ – a Merino / Whiteface Dartmoor crossbreed. The resulting fleece re-localises merino in the Dartmoor landscape, combining its renowned softness with the local characteristics of the native breed.
Hear Jessica in her own words:
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