Kent Farmer of the Year Highly Commended: G L Boulden & Sons

G L Boulden & Sons farm a mix of arable crops, cattle and sheep. The farm is also home to Romney Marsh Wools and Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts, diversifications set up in 2008 and 2019 respectively by Kristina and Paul Boulden.

Working hand-in-hand with the family farm, Romney Marsh Wools was born through a firm belief in raising the awareness of all the benefits wool can bring. A wide range of products is created, using their own Romney wool, including throws, cushions, hats, scarves, knitting kits, yarn, raw wool and much more.

Lanolin is a naturally-occurring fat in wool and this is used to produce a range of toiletries, including shower gel, shampoo, soap and moisturiser. The most recent addition to the farm is Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts, two luxurious huts that sit in the heart of the farm, with stunning views over Romney Marsh and a chance to unwind and get close to nature, with vast open skies and beautiful, peaceful surroundings.

Sustainability is at the core of our farm and business and it’s something that we are extremely passionate about.

As custodians of the land, it is our duty to care for it and create a legacy for future generations. Farming on Romney Marsh is unique in its challenges and methods, but it is in our blood and farming is a way of life for us. Within our farming practices we are always mindful of our impact on the environment around us and we are responsible for keeping the land productive and healthy for our crops and our animals to thrive.

Diversifying and setting up Romney Marsh Wools in 2008 was a natural step for us, and one that puts sustainability at the forefront. Wool itself is one of the most sustainable materials available, with many unique and unmatchable properties – something that we were keen to make the most of and highlight. Today, wool represents only 3% of the world’s fibre production; however, it is becoming a more popular choice once again as we all become more aware of our impact on the environment and world around us.

Knitting wool is both renewable and biodegradable. Each year, sheep will produce a new fleece and at the end of its life wool can be returned to the soil, where it decomposes, releasing valuable nutrients into the ground. This also makes it a great gardener’s friend, providing both a slow-release fertiliser and protection from pests such as slugs, which will not cross the wool!

Wool fibres are also resistant to tearing and are able to be bent back on themselves more than 20,000 times without breaking. Lamb’s wool and sheep's wool is also naturally elastic and therefore maintains its appearance in the longer term, adding value to the product and its lifespan. For this reason it is becoming a popular choice for clothing and accessories, aligning well with the ethos of slow fashion.

We’re proud to be doing our bit to raise the profile of this brilliant natural fibre whilst creating a range of products for all to enjoy.