Wensleydale and Teeswater

Wensleydale, Teeswater, Cotswold and Black Leicester are amongst the most distinctive British breeds. Tall and elegant with long lustrous ringlets of wavy fleece, their fibre is smooth and sleek with a distinctive silken sheen. Despite their luxurious wool these breeds are all listed as either at risk or vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival trust.

These breeds are an important part of our heritage, with Cotswold and Leicester Longwool dating back to the 13th and 17th centuries respectively. The wool used for the teddy bears has been bought directly from UK based small producers who are working to preserve these lustre breeds.

Originating in the Yorkshire Dales in the 19th century, pure Wensleydales produce both natural white and dark brown to grey fleeces and the sheep have a distinctive blue-grey head and ears. The breed is considered at risk by the Rare Breed Survival Trust.