Wool is a material that has been used throughout history and yet is still an essential product for the sustainable future of our island. It’s breathable, water resistant and biodegradable, and if you look after the sheep, it’s naturally sustainable too, as they grow a new fleece every year.

The survival of the Manx Loaghtan was under threat for many years and by the 1950s, their numbers had dwindled significantly. The breed has seen a revival in recent years, thanks in part to the Mill’s use of their distinctive mouse brown, super-warm fleece.  Numbers have steadily increased, however, it remains on the watch list of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Classed as a ‘primitive sheep’, they have characteristics to fit their environment, they are said to have been on the island since the bronze age, or possibly even longer, when there was a land bridge during the Mesolithic period.

Its fleece is one of the warmest there is. The sheep have very little fat and have adapted their fleece to deal with harsh winter weather conditions.

Loaghtan lambs are born with a very dark brown fleece – so dark it appears to be black. This fades in the sun to mouse brown or in Manx Gaelic “Lugh Dhoan”. It’s resistant to dye which means that most Loaghtan wool products are natural in colour.

These noble beasts with their impressive, multiple sets of curling horns not only look the part, they, have big characters too. They love to be photographed and are consummate escape artists.