Author: Harry Edwards

Earlier on this year in spring, we received some devastating news.  When we were patiently waiting for the birth of Inca Grampian’s first cria we learnt that we were due to lose some of the land that we had rented in Knockin Heath for the past eight-years as it was to be sold for new housing development.  Whilst we always knew that the land was designated for building, we were still upset since we knew that it meant we had to seriously consider how this would affect us and our Alpacas.  We had decided, last year, that we would be expanding our herd of Alpacas when we brought Inca Grampian and these were plans that we did not want to abandon.   With this in mind, we very quickly made the decision that we had no choice but to move house.

At the beginning of June, we put our house on the market and started to receive interest straight away.  We had decided not to look too seriously for a new house until we secured a sale since we did not want to be disappointed.

Then in the summer, that special property came on the market.  The property ticked so many boxes – it was an equestrian property with land on the Shropshire/Welsh border with beautiful views of the fields and surrounding countryside from the house.  It was a place where we could picture and imagine our herd of Alpacas happy and carefree. Our hearts were set.

I telephoned the Estate Agent to make our offer and were told that someone else had pipped us to the post.  However, sadly for them and fortunately for us, their sale fell through.  We then secured a sale for our house in Knockin and after being gazumped on the new property, we had our offer accepted and we finally exchanged contracts on Monday the 25^th of September.  This property was meant to be!

By the evening of Thursday the 28^th of September, some 72 hours later, we had managed to fence 3 acres of the fields and we started moving the herd.  The last of the group were transported by 6am the following morning, swiftly followed by our house contents and the farm paraphernalia.

We are all so pleased with the move . Its a joy to see the herd so content and happy in their new fields and they are patiently putting up with more fencing, diggers, excavations and the formation of their new accommodation.

Work has now started on the next stage.  We are converting part of the stable block into a showroom for all the lovely bits and pieces produced by our herd.  Watch this space for more news here next time!

The summer months are here and at Mulberry Alpacas we have been eagerly welcoming new babies born to Inca Grampian’s matings following last year’s purchase of this excellent stud from Inca Alpacas in Dorset. It is proving to be yet another busy year for us with big ideas on the horizon. A large part of our business is our involvement with the British Alpaca Society. This not only allows us to stay in the know but admire the ever increasing standard of breeding in the UK. We are very proud to be members and the BAS gives us our foundation standards and information.

The British Alpaca Society (BAS) brings together owners, breeders, prospective owners and those purely with an interest in alpacas. Regional groups meet up around the UK to arrange events, workshops and educate with everything from everyday welfare to breeding and showing up for discussion. It is now thought there are in the region of 35,000 alpacas in the UK kept by both breeders and owners making the society a fantastic organisation to draw on the wisdom of experienced handlers.

Not only acting as a resource for members, the BAS has a pedigree registry for which only cria born to registered parents may be eligible to join. The registry, governed by the BAS board, maintains the standard of the animals through the administration of various policies. Prospective owners are advised to purchase only BAS registered alpacas providing them with peace of mind and breeding records that can pre-date 1996 in some cases!

In its third year at the International Centre in Telford, the annual BAS National Show brings together visitors from all over the country to view an impressive congregation of alpacas advertising the full natural colour spectrum their fleece is available in. Alpaca fleece is currently a very niche but growing marketplace and the two day National Show is a great place to see first hand how good quality fleece with its outstanding, hypoallergenic qualities can be used to make a wide range of high quality items. It’s exciting to hear how Paul Whittey at Penrose products has recently taken superb alpaca duvets and pillows into Harrods.

At Mulberry Alpacas, we are proud to support the British Alpaca Society who equally have provided us excellent advice and contacts through various networking events from the very beginnings of our interest in these fascinating animals. The BAS is not only a great platform to promote awareness of the high standards of the alpaca but their ongoing encouragement of young handlers safeguards the future of alpaca breeding, showing and processing of high quality fleece.

We provide a variety of products, created from the fleece of our very own herd. Should you be interested in working with alpaca fleece yourself, we also run a number of courses and events– even available for beginners! If you’d like to know more about our products or events, contact us today and we’ll happily provide you with more information.

We spent a fantastic day at The Red Cross Christmas Gift Fair last Monday. It’s always lovely to meet many friends old and new and to see such a lot of interest in those extra special gifts made from luxurious alpaca fibre that we are able to show.

I took great delight, this year, in being able to say to many people as they looked at our main table “This is all traceable back to the actual alpaca on the field….feel this beautiful brown hat…how soft it is..all from one of our lovely girls..Evie!”

We are very proud of our products.

We also know that or socks – although not made from fibre from our own herd are made by John Arbon in North Devon from carefully selected UK alpaca and are the very best that that we can source.

Over the next few weeks we will look forward to our Christmas Shopping Saturdays at Mulberry Alpacas where there’ll be that atmosphere of Mulled Wine and Mince pies and an opportunity to see our lovely herd. (Inca Grampian just loves receiving visitors and has become a total star in every respect!).

We’ve got lots of different designs in our shop especially for this build up to the Christmas Season.

Do pop in for some Mulled Wine and a Mince Pie and see all our lovely goodies.

It seems that no matter how long you’ve been keeping alpacas there’s always lots of new learning. First of all we bought three pet boys, one of which was just 10 months old. When an experienced alpaca keeper suggested he was quite good, we boldly entered him into a show six weeks after acquiring him. Much to our shock and amazement he came home with a Third Rosette, just 2 weeks into the intermediate male class and still with his first fleece.

Twelve months later, after an incredible amount of research and many visits to well-established alpaca farms, we bought our first two pregnant females at considerable cost. This was the foundation of our small breeding herd. From the outset, we have looked to buy stock with good genetics, good conformation, fine workable fleece and importantly, good temperament. Temperament has always been important to us because of the large number of visitors, and particularly children we receive on our farm. Every year we have looked at our herd, assessed fleeces and conformation, and planned our small breeding programme. This really has been a steep learning curve with some successes and some disappointments.

Towards the tail end of last year and during the earlier part of this year we found ourselves again doing lots of research. As we took all this, buzzing in our heads to the BAS National Show, we found, as always, so much inspiration. (It seems that year by year the National is showing us an ever increasing stand of breeding in this country).

By now, we were much clearer about the direction we wished to be moving the profile of our herd in. Shortly after the show, we arranged a visit to Inca Alpacas in Dorset to look at Tim Hey’s herd and particularly some of his available studs. An impressive herd indeed with a high level of elite genetics.

On this visit, we found Inca Grampian and were very taken with him – he just seemed to fit the bill with so many of the characteristics we were looking for. Although as yet he doesn’t have any crib on the ground; there are some expected at the tail end of this season. We look forward to hearing about them and seeing them with eager anticipation!

After negotiating a half share in Grampian, he arrived with us towards the end of June. Since then, we incessantly talk about him and ogle him standing so regally on our paddocks. He just glides across the fields with neck held high and showing that impressive head with his intelligent, inquisitive nature. He is working over many of our girls and is a competent and considerate lover. He is extremely competent with both the experienced and first-time females. We have decided to offer a maximum of five ‘outside’ matings. We are so confident that his work with us will inevitably raise the profile of our herd and we feel we really want to offer his services to other herds.

All our visitors are nothing but impressed with him. All the indications so far are that we are able to move confidently into a new, exciting chapter of Mulberry Alpacas! To learn more about anything in this article you can contact us here.

You’ve decided to keep alpacas? Great decision! Our herd here at Mulberry Alpacas are a huge part of our lives and most definitely established members of the family, each with their own fantastic personalities.

Before you go ahead and purchase your alpacas, there are a number of considerations you should think about to ensure that they are the best animals for you.

Purpose

Why would you like to keep alpacas? It may be to manufacture and sell their fleece, to protect your current livestock, to keep as family pets or even to start your own breeding herd.

How many?

Alpacas are highly sociable animals and require the company of at least one fellow alpaca (we are much more comfortable). Like us humans, they can suffer emotional, mental and sometimes even physical deprivation so make sure you take this into account.

Space and shelter

As small acreage livestock, alpacas are ideal for those with just a few acres. We would suggest a maximum of 5 alpacas per acre with the understanding that it is important to ‘rest’ pasture occasionally. Alpacas are also ‘earth-friendly’ which means they do not destroy the root system of the grass as they graze.

As relatively hardy animals, alpacas are content with simple shelter structures during the cold months. Good ventilation and shade should be available during the summer.

Food

Due to their evolution in frugal conditions, alpacas have the ability to utilise their food very efficiently although they flourish on good quality pasture and benefit from access to plant material with long fibres such as hay.
In addition, there are a number of commercial alpaca mixes available that provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Upkeep

Although known as low-maintenance livestock, it is important that you know how to care for your alpacas.

– Shearing your alpacas, is very important especially come summer when this is vital to keep your animals comfortable. It is best to do this in the late spring/early summer.
– As you would for a cat or dog, regular worming is required
– Your alpacas toenails will also need to be trimmed regularly
– Fresh water must be supplied daily

So are you convinced? We are hugely passionate about our animals at Mulberry Alpacas and always ensure you are in-the-know before setting out on your new venture.
We will not pressurise you in any way to buy from us.

However, we offer free training and ongoing support to all our customers.
This write-up provides you with a brief summary, contact us today to find out more about our various courses and events where you will receive further, in-depth information or to arrange a visit for a chat.

Since 1996, here at Mulberry Alpacas we have developed a vast knowledge about caring for our animals but also how to use their valuable fleece to make great products. What is so special about alpaca fibre? Many people are unaware of the superb qualities of this spectacular fibre -we’re keen to persuade you that wearing alpaca is the way forward!

Fun fact: Alpacas are part of the Camelid family and the luxury fleece we work with today is the result of 6000 years of careful breeding

Let’s firstly go back to South America, the original home of the animals we know and love today. It is reported by one historian that Incas used alpaca fibre, braided together with reeds or cotton to make bridges that spanned the canyons in the Peruvian Andes.

Historically, alpaca fleece has also been used for ladies dresses, academic robes and men’s suits.

Although not as commonly used as sheep’s wool, alpaca fibre is proven to be three times warmer. Within the centre of many individual alpaca fibres are tiny hollow areas that hold warmth and also make it lighter in weight than products made with other animal fibres.

A separate study that was conducted showed sheep’s wool gave a 30 degree F comfort range in a 0 degree F environment. Alpaca fleece, on the other hand, gives a 50 degree F comfort range!

Not only is alpaca fleece strong and warm, it is proven to be incredibly water resistant. This may suggest why alpacas are so successful at wicking moisture away from their bodies. Our alpaca socks are a great purchase as not only are they warm but they prevent your feet feeling sweaty; perfect for those cold, wet days in the unpredictable British weather.

Fun fact: 17^th and 18^th century umbrellas were made with alpaca fibre, replacing the more expensive, less wearing oiled silk

Due to a lack of lanolin, as found in sheep’s wool, alpaca fleece is not only easier to process but does not require a scouring process and even produces a 87-95% clean fibre yield as opposed to the 43-76% clean fibre yield produced by a sheep.

Another great benefit of wearing alpaca’s natural fibre -it is hypoallergenic. Those that tend to stay away from wool, report no allergic reaction to alpaca.

Fun fact: There is nothing worse than wearing itchy clothes but alpaca fleece has a low ‘prickle factor’ especially when it is graded as carefully as we do at Mulberry Alpacas

If we have not yet managed to persuade you to wear alpaca, perhaps the news that alpaca fleece comes in 23 beautiful natural colours from white through to shades of grey and black will convince you. Not only that but alpaca fibre takes very well to dye. Interestingly, in Peru coloured alpacas are not as sought after as white alpacas which are particularly desirable as they are lovely to dye in the bright colours that so many Peruvians love.

We take huge pride in our alpaca products here at Mulberry Alpacas and welcome you to come and see where your products are made before you buy.  From our socks and hats to even duvets and egg cosies, we are sure you will love our items as much as we do.

If you’d like to know more about our products or courses you can contact us, email or call us on 01691 682 757 today!

We are absolutely thrilled here at Mulberry Alpacas to be involved with the British Alpaca Society National Show again.

The National Show will be taking place at the International Centre in Telford on March 7^th and 8^th and will be a showcase for the very best in the British Alpaca Industry.

We will be busy to and fro, helping to set up and taking our trade stand there. It has been a great privilege to work with such a dynamic, national team of organisers, many of whom are prominent in the industry.

The Border Mill are busy working on some of our fleeces so that we can take some new batches of luxurious, superior quality yarn with us as well as showcasing many of our lovely products, often traceable back to an individual alpaca on our fields.

Many people will be coming to the show because they are interested in keeping alpacas themselves in the future. We are expecting to have some really good offers of starter groups  available and will be able to advertise these on our stand.

Its always a good opportunity for friends old and new to come and chat. We are proud of our standards and enjoy sharing our insights and experience which we have built over the past 9 years.

We’re also looking forward to the Gala Dinner on the Saturday night when at this spectacular Black Tie there will be opportunities to network and renew friendships in the prestigious world of alpacas.

Our new trailer is here and covered with our logo, ready to deliver out alpacas as we sell them as well as collecting alpacas from some of our customers for shearing.

One of our travelling studs has already tried it out – and thoroughly approves – 5 star luxury for travelling studs is, of course, very important.

We really enjoy this time of the year at Mulberry Alpacas.

Our Saturdays’ Christmas Shopping Days with Mulled Wine and Mince Pies are great fun.

It is always good to catch up with some of our loyal customers who come to get those extra special gifts for their loved ones as well as meeting many new people who haven’t been before.

What is most important to us is seeing the lovely responses to our newest creations.

Have you seen the lovely Hedgehog Booties on our Twitter page? The lovely Wraps that Hazel B has made with Bethany’s luxuriously warm fleece felted onto chiffon silk are part of our new collection too.

We love seeing people’s faces as they look around our little shop and find inspiration to buy something that is different and very often traceable back to the actual alpaca on the field.

The lovely Black Alpaca which has been hand woven with silk has produced an absolutely exclusive scarf that we know has come from our lovely girls Ellie and Chloe.

Of course, our Alpaca Socks are very popular at this time of year – these, too, bring many, many returning customers.

How about another different Christmas Present? Our Alpaca Duvets and Pillows are absolutely fabulous, always getting such good feedback. Imagine being able to give to someone special a better nights sleep than they’ve had in a long time – it really can be done! – At very reasonable prices too!

For those interested in coming on one of our Spring or Summer Courses – there are Gift Vouchers available – This was exactly how we started learning about Alpacas – when Roz bought Harry a Gift Voucher for an Alpaca Experience Day. A real gift with a difference! Or maybe a Voucher for a Spinning or Felting Workshop Day!

Come along soon – there’s so much to see that will inspire you.

Can’t you just smell the Mulled Wine?!

Alpacas are a species of camel, that originate from South America whose wool was once prized by Inca Royalty for its unique strength, lustre and softness.

Alpaca wool has a hollow fiber, which makes it uniquely light and incredibly warm, while giving a rich silky feel against the skin. Alpacas produce a fine, heavy fleece in many beautiful, naturally occurring shades. 

Alpaca wool is lanolin free and hypo-allergenic which, when combined with it’s unique soft properties makes it ideally suited for use in clothing. Alpaca hairs also contain a naturally occurring resin that gives the garments a resistance to staining, wrinkling, and water. Alpaca yarn is also known to be incredibly hard wearing with low tendency to pill or ball.

We pride ourselves in producing luxury yarn and goods which are often traceable to the individual alpaca on our farm.

We grade our fleeces very carefully and only used the highest quality fleece to produce yarn for clothing.

Visitors to our farm shop are always impressed with the ‘yummy’ feel of our products as they cuddle them next to their skin!