Front view of Windsor Farm Shop.

Severe weather closures

With a yellow weather warning now issued by the Met Office, and following our severe weather plan, we have taken the decision to close all access to Windsor Great Park on Saturday 7 December.

This decision includes the closure of all car parks, visitor centres, attractions and the Christmas Tree Shop.

For a full list of closures see our visitor updates.

Alpacas in a field at Scotfield Alpacas in Berkshire.

Scotfield Alpaca

Sarah Scott, Team Coordinator, Property.

Published by

Windsor Great Park

Nov 6 2024

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Sustainable luxury in yarn

Nestled in the scenic Berkshire countryside, Scotfield Alpaca is a family-run farm dedicated to producing premium, natural alpaca yarn. Home to both Huacaya and Suri alpacas, our farm emphasises sustainability and local production, blending tradition with environmental consciousness.

At Scotfield Alpaca, we oversee every step of the yarn-making process to ensure the highest quality. Our alpacas’ fleeces are expertly spun into luxurious yarn at a UK-based mill. Each product is meticulously designed and knitted on-site, reflecting our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that every piece is made with the utmost care and precision.

The unique qualities of alpaca wool

Alpaca wool is renowned for its exceptional softness, warmth, and durability, making it an ideal choice for knitters and crafters alike. Unlike many other types of wool, alpaca fibres are naturally hypoallergenic, as they do not contain lanolin – a substance found in sheep’s wool that can cause allergic reactions. This makes alpaca yarn a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Another significant advantage of alpaca wool is its thermal properties. Alpaca fibres are hollow, which provides superior insulation compared to other natural fibres like cotton. This means that alpaca wool can keep you warm in colder temperatures while remaining breathable and comfortable in milder climates.

Adult wearing a neutral coloured hat and scarf with alpacas in the background.

Scotfield Alpaca hat and scarf.

Adult wearing a grey hat, snood and gloves.

Scotfield Alpaca hat, snood and gloves.

Environmental benefits of alpaca wool

Choosing alpaca wool over other fibres such as cotton has a positive impact on the environment. Alpacas are gentle grazers, meaning they have a minimal impact on their grazing land. Their padded feet are much softer on the ground than the hooves of other livestock, reducing soil erosion and degradation. Additionally, alpacas require less food and water compared to sheep and other animals, making them a more sustainable choice for fibre production.

In contrast, cotton production is resource-intensive, often requiring large amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilisers.

Ring of alpaca wool for birds to use as nesting material.

Scotfield Alpaca bird nesting material.

Two young alpacas standing in a field with trees in the background.

Karma and Maria.

Crafting with care and sustainability

Our woollen fleeces are taken to a UK mill, where it is expertly spun into yarn that’s 100% alpaca, free from dyes and blends, offering a natural and pure crafting experience. Each product is packaged with a cedar wood chip in a protective box, which helps prolong the life of the knitwear and reduces waste. This thoughtful packaging choice reflects our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that your alpaca knitwear remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Black box with Scotfield Alpaca logo being held by a person wearing grey gloves.

Scotfield Alpaca protective box.

Three alpacas check to cheek standing in a field.

River, Salazar and Ghost.

Meet our team

Our dedicated team is the heart of our operation. Emily lovingly tends to our Huacaya and Suri alpacas, ensuring they are happy and healthy. Lisa, our creative genius, designs our beautiful knitwear. Mary meticulously handles the finishing touches and packaging, ensuring every product is perfect. Abbie and Rachel expertly manage our social media, sharing our story with the world. We function as a close-knit family, with all our design and knitting done right here on our farm. We take immense pride in our work and the products we create.

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