Inish Eile (Irish for “other island”) is a small farm located on Pender Island. The farmer, Martha, keeps a flock of purebred Cotswold sheep — a rare long-wool breed that produces amazingly lustrous fleeces in both white and other colours. The breed is ancient, having been first brought to England by the Romans. Years later in the 19th century it found its way to Canada. Heritage Livestock Canada lists Cotswold sheep as endangered.
Martha is dedicated to this heritage breed and the preservation of biodiversity. Although Cotswold sheep are considered a dual-purpose breed, it is their fibre that is most sought after. Martha’s farm has available washed fleeces, combed top, and yarn. She can frequently be found vending at fibre markets on southern Vancouver Island.
You can reach Martha via email at inisheilefarm@gmail.com or on her Instagram. You can also find Inish Eile on our producers directory.