Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere incorporates more than 9,700km² of southwest Scotland, a region that is recognised internationally for its outstanding natural and cultural heritage and local commitment to sustainable development.
Biospheres provide models for how people can live with nature and use resources for the wellbeing of people everywhere, through knowledge sharing and sustainable development that maintains respect for cultural values and society’s ability to cope with change.
Our Biosphere has a Blackface sheep farming history which stretches back into the mists of time. Sadly, the use of Blackface wool in clothing declined, and manmade materials overtook the historic appreciation for hardwearing woollen garments. We understand that farming doesn’t and cannot stand still, but we also know that it is possible to take historic industries forward in sustainable ways: in this case, a goal to make production of Blackface wool profitable for farmers and a source of pride for local people.
We wanted to challenge perceptions of this hardy iconic breed and its potential in the fashion industry and from this we founded Merrick.
