Lesley’s approach to wool farming acknowledges that rather than an ownership model, this is a partnership between her and the flock – the care she takes over their welfare and health is reflected in the quality of their wool, and their positive interaction with people. We were privileged to meet the flock (and some very inquisitive goats), all of whom live long and natural lives under Lesley’s care.
Something that was very clear was the fact that being a wool grower means being part of a community. From working with other farmers to share and develop practices that ensure high animal welfare standards to developing the best quality wool, it is a collaborative industry dependent on knowledge sharing. As the only Australian merino wool grower in England, Lesley has a very close relationship with the Australian wool industry, which is represented by organisations such as The Woolmark Company (TWC) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). To ensure that best practices in merino farming are shared and continued, Tellenby Farm can be visited for consultancy and training days, where Lesley can share the passion and research that led her to embark on the challenge of introducing merino sheep to Devon.
It was a one in a lifetime opportunity to visit Tellenby Farm, and we hope to see the passion and care displayed continue – and as Lesley acknowledged, it is a privilege not a right to raise these sheep.