Join the Nature Friendly Farming Network at Westfield Croft for an afternoon exploring how wool can become a valuable part of a resilient farm business.
Through a guided farm walk, practical business insights and discussions with producers and processors, you'll discover opportunities to improve returns from wool, understand grading and processing, and explore how collaboration can strengthen local supply chains.
Hear from Marguerite Fleming, who, alongside her husband Steve, a skilled hand weaver, has built a thriving diversified fibre enterprise at Westfield Croft, and Donna Gillies, Founding Director of Highland Wool CIC, whose work establishing one of mainland Scotland's only consignment wool mills is helping farmers and crofters retain more value from their fleeces while rebuilding Scotland's fibre infrastructure.
This event is the first in NFFN Scotland's three-part Nature Friendly Fibre series, showcasing practical examples of how natural fibres can support resilient, nature-friendly farm businesses across Scotland.
Speakers:
Marguerite Fleming – Westfield Croft
Marguerite Fleming runs Westfield Croft with her husband Steve, a skilled hand weaver, in Aberdeenshire. Together they have built a thriving nature-friendly farm business centred around native and rare breed sheep, transforming their own fleeces into breed-specific yarns, handwoven rugs and other wool products, alongside willow crafts and workshops. Their work showcases how farmers can retain more value from natural materials while creating resilient, diversified rural enterprises.
Donna Gillies – Founding Director, Highland Wool CIC
Donna Gillies is the Founding Director of Highland Wool CIC and co-runs The Hirsel, a regenerative family farm in the Scottish Highlands. Alongside farming heritage Hebridean sheep, Donna has led the development of one of mainland Scotland's only consignment wool mills, helping farmers and crofters add value to their fleeces while rebuilding local processing infrastructure. She will share practical insights into wool quality, processing, supply chains and the opportunities for strengthening Scotland's natural fibre economy.
If this event is sold out or the ticket type that you require is not available then please contact Ellie Strohm at ellie.strohm@nffn.org.uk to be added to the waiting list