MEET THE SHEEP
Every skein of wool has a story, and ours begins with the sheep, farmers and landscapes behind the fleece.
Beatrice Bayliss was born in the Cotswolds, where our connection to British farming and the countryside has always been at the heart of what we do. We work directly with farmers to source British fleece, paying a fair price for their wool before working with mills to transform it into yarn.
While Cotswold wool and the 'Cotswold Lions' was where our journey began, our collection has grown to celebrate a wider variety of British sheep breeds. Each breed has its own character, producing fleece with different colours, textures and qualities that make it special. We’re passionate about discovering these differences, learning from the farmers who know their flocks best and finding thoughtful ways to bring the natural character of each fleece to life.
The Cotswold Breed
Our Cotswold roots.
Known historically as the “Cotswold Lion”, this magnificent longwool breed has a deep connection to the Cotswold landscape and its farming heritage. Cotswold fleece is known for its long, lustrous locks, beautiful sheen and distinctive character. It was the breed that first inspired our journey into British wool and it remains an important part of the Beatrice Bayliss story. We love celebrating its natural lustre and the heritage behind this distinctive British breed.
The Jacob
Character, contrast and natural colour.
The Jacob is a distinctive British heritage breed, recognised for its striking markings and naturally varied fleece. Its wool offers exciting possibilities for exploring natural shades, texture and individuality. We’re interested in the character of Jacob fleece and how it can be developed into yarn that celebrates the natural qualities of the breed.
The Zwartbles
Rich tones and a distinctive character.
Originally from the Netherlands and now established among British flocks, the Zwartbles is known for its dark face, distinctive white markings and rich, dark fleece. We love the opportunity to explore deeper natural shades and the contrast they bring to a collection of British wool. Its distinctive appearance is a reminder of just how much variety there is within the world of sheep and natural fibre.
The Clun Forest
A British breed with a rich farming heritage.
The Clun Forest is a traditional British sheep breed originating in the Welsh Marches, close to the English border. Its fleece offers another perspective on British wool, with its own characteristics and potential for yarn development. We’re interested in exploring how breeds such as the Clun Forest can contribute to a varied collection that celebrates the diversity of our homegrown fibre.
Why British Wool Matters to Us
For our founder Emily, choosing British wool was both a personal and principled decision. Growing up within a farming family in the Cotswolds, her connection to the land runs deep and incorporating this remarkable fibre into the brand is a tribute to that heritage. We source fleece in partnership with local farmers and work closely with mills to spin and prepare the yarn and British wool represents everything Beatrice Bayliss stands for.
This is more than fibre. It is landscape, lineage and legacy reimagined for a modern wardrobe.
Our Partner Farms
We work directly with trusted farmers who care for their flocks with dedication and integrity. Our relationships with these farmers are at the heart of Beatrice Bayliss. By sourcing fleece directly from farms and paying a fair price for their wool, we can build long-term partnerships that recognise the people behind the fibre and help us maintain traceability from the field to the finished product.
Our current partner farms include:
- Angela’s Farm — Oxfordshire
- Richard’s Farm — Gloucestershire
- Steve’s Farm — Gloucestershire
- Patricia’s Farm — Oxfordshire
- Kaleb’s Farm - Oxfordshire
- Julia’s Farm - Oxfordshire
- Alex’s Farm - Oxfordshire
- Lizzy’s Farm - Herefordshire
- Lesley's Farm - Warwickshire
These partnerships began with our connection to Cotswold sheep, but our interest in British wool extends far beyond a single breed. We currently work with fleece from Cotswold, Jacob, Zwartbles and Clun Forest sheep predominantly and we’re always interested in discovering new breeds and exploring the unique qualities each brings to the finished yarn.
Are You a Farmer with Fleece?
As Beatrice Bayliss grows, we’re keen to build relationships with more British farmers who share our appreciation for natural fibre, good farming and traditional craftsmanship. And if you have fleece which needs a home we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with us and tell us a little about your flock, the breed you keep, where you’re based and the quantities you may have available. We can’t promise to work with every fleece, but we’re always happy to start a conversation. For us, beautiful wool begins long before it reaches the mill. It begins with the sheep, the farmer and the story behind the fibre.
