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In the heart of the Lake District, Herdysleep is weaving a story of sustainability, craftsmanship, and innovation. Founded in 2016 as a collaboration between Herdy—an award-winning Lake District brand—and luxury bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks, Herdysleep brings together responsibly sourced natural materials, traditional craft methods, and cutting-edge technology to create award-winning mattresses. But the journey from fleece to mattress is more than just production; it’s a celebration of the Lake District’s unique heritage and its historic fell farming culture. Collection Day: A Unique Bond Between Brand and Farmer For Herdysleep, the annual wool collection day isn’t just a logistical necessity—it’s the foundation of their relationship with the Lake District’s farming community. On a gloriously sunny day in March 2025, this tradition unfolded once again at Hall Dunnerdale Farm, in the picturesque Duddon Valley. Farmers Paddy and Jasmine, who manage a flock of 250 Herdwick sheep, which graze on the rugged slopes of Caw Fell, welcomed Herdysleep Co-Founder Spencer Hannah and Social and Communications Manager Sally Proctor to collect this year’s fleeces. Paddy and Jasmine prepared 300 sheets of Herdwick wool, ready to be collected. The challenge? Squeezing these substantial wool sheets into the iconic Herdy van. It was a labour of love, with plenty of huffing and puffing as the trio worked together to pack the precious cargo. “Moments like these remind us why we do what we do,” said Spencer. “It’s not just about collecting the wool; it’s about strengthening the bond we share with our farmers and celebrating the heritage of this incredible region.” For Paddy and Jasmine, the partnership with Herdysleep is more than a business arrangement; it’s a continuation of a proud farming tradition, using the once discarded Herdwick fleece to its full potential. Paddy, a third-generation farmer, takes immense pride in his flock and the quality of their fleece. Jasmine, with her background in animal management and veterinary care, complements this expertise with her love for the animals in their care. Together, they represent the future of upland fell farming in Cumbria.   The journey that followed was just as memorable. The Herdy van wound its way through the breathtaking Duddon Valley, traversing the steep inclines of Wrynose Pass and the infamous Kirkstone Pass. Every twist and turn of the road offered stunning views of the Lake District fells, a reminder of the rugged beauty that Herdwick sheep call home. By the end of the day, the wool sheets were safely stored at Noran Bank Farm in Patterdale, a historic 17th-century farmhouse, with its history dating back to 1617. The sheets are stored here awaiting their collection and transformation into luxurious mattresses. Supporting Local Farmers and the Lake District Heritage At the heart of Herdysleep’s mission is a commitment to preserving the Lake District’s upland fell farming community. Herdysleep works with a co-operative of local Herdwick farmers, buying their wool at a fairly traded rate. This partnership reduces overheads for farmers, offers them better returns, and helps sustain a way of life deeply rooted in the region’s history. Herdwick sheep, native to the Lake District, produce wool that is coarse and hard wearing qualities that make it ideal for crafting luxurious and durable mattresses.    Transforming Herdwick Wool into Comfort and Sustainability The collected wool is first cleaned before being transported to Harrison Spinks, Herdysleep’s manufacturing partner. There, it is layered with soft cotton fibres to create a sumptuous sleep layer. This natural layer rests atop 6,750 Cortec™ pocket springs, providing unparalleled comfort and support. The combination of traditional materials and innovative engineering ensures every Herdysleep mattress is the perfect marriage of comfort and sustainability. Herdwick wool brings more than just comfort; it delivers health benefits, too. Its hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties create a dry, dust mite-resistant environment ideal for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin. Wool’s natural insulation helps regulate body temperature, keeping sleepers warm in winter and cool in summer, while its moisture-wicking abilities ensure a dry, comfortable night’s rest.    Upholding a Legacy of Sustainability Herdwick wool’s journey from sheep to mattress reflects Herdysleep’s dedication to sustainable practices. By working with local farmers and using natural materials, Herdysleep minimizes its environmental footprint while supporting the Lake District’s delicate ecosystem. Small, low-density flocks like those at Hall Dunnerdale Farm lessen environmental impact, ensuring the land remains pristine for generations to come.   Celebrating Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Community For Herdysleep, the story of each mattress begins with the rugged mountains and the devoted farmers of the Lake District. From Paddy’s expertise in shepherding to Jasmine’s passion for animals, every step of the process highlights the resilience and heart of this community. By creating luxurious mattresses that champion local resources and sustainable practices, Herdysleep offers more than a good night’s sleep; it delivers a piece of the Lake District into every home.

Too hot to sleep? We feel ewe!  Tossing and turning at night due to your bedroom being like an oven is no fun for anyone. You may have tried the cool side of the pillow, the one leg out the duvet method or even sticking your sheets in the freezer! If the current heatwave has you counting sheep, then a wool mattress could be the answer.   A wool mattress lets you breathe If you’ve ever struggled to get to sleep because you're too hot and sweaty, you’ll love a wool mattress. Put simply, synthetic fibres like polyester just don’t breathe like natural mattresses do as they’re prone to making you overheat, unlike wool that naturally keeps you much cooler. Not only is wool a great insulator, it also lets air move freely, proven beautifully by sheep's ability to happily live everywhere from the Lake District, right over to the Australian outback. It’s why our Herdwick fleeces keep you warm in the winter and cool in summer. Dust allergy sufferers, we’ve also got you sorted. Dust mites—the critters that trigger your allergies—like to stay warm and humid, so synthetic bedding is their dream home. Unluckily for them, the wool, cotton, and cashmere we blend into our luxury mattresses are breathable, reducing humidity and keeping the dust mite population lower for longer so you can reclaim bedtime. Wool is naturally elastic We’re not saying you’ll be bouncing on your Herdysleep mattress (although we won’t blame you if you do jump for joy when it arrives), but as you can imagine, we all move around a lot in bed, especially in the heat. When you finally get upstairs after a long day at work, your  mattress needs to react quickly to support your body properly. Most of the heavy work is done by our Herdysleep pocket springs, which individually compress and spring out to fit your unique sleeping profile. However, there’s more to a mattress than simply pocket springs. The wool we use to create our cushioned sleep surface is a naturally elastic material which bounces and flexes to fit as you move, and can return to shape over 20,000 times without breaking. Perfect for the wriggly sleeps!     Keep your room nice and cool.  A bedroom that is too hot or too cold can interfere with the quality of your sleep. Make sure you choose a breathable mattress to help the airflow as you sleep. It’s also a good idea to have different tog duvets for the summer and winter months, to help regulate your body temperature. The Sleep Foundation suggest that 18.3 degrees Celsius is the ideal bedroom temperature. Choosing a natural wool fibre mattress can also help regulate your body temperature, helping to keep you warm in summer and cool in winter. A sprung mattress provides excellent airflow for a cooler night’s sleep unlike many foam mattresses which don’t dissipate the heat effectively.   Herdy’s Top Tips to sleep in the heat Keep the curtains and blinds closed during the day to keep out the sun’s rays. Take a cooling shower before bed to reduce your body temperature. Keep Hydrated and remember to take a glass of ice-cold water to bed with you. Get a breeze blowing, by opening a window or investing in a bedroom fan. Avoid hot drinks, spicy food or excessive exercise before you go to bed. If you're not a fan of sleeping in your birthday suit! Cotton or silk pyjamas are best for keeping you cool between the sheets.

Lavender Often overlooked as a house plant, lavender can flourish in the right conditions. It's no secret that the scent of lavender can help you drift off into a blissful night's sleep, but it also has air-purifying qualities as well as aromatherapy benefits. There have been studies that suggest lavender can reduce blood pressure and heart rate.Care tips: Lavender loves lots of direct, bright sunlight. Try placing your pot on a windowsill to help your lavender thrive. Water occasionally when the soil is slightly dry. This particular plant is prone to rot when watered too often so make sure it has plenty of drainage. Don't be afraid to prune your lavender, as left to its own devices it can grow rapidly. The best time to give your plant a good trim is in the Spring. Photo Credit / Joyce Toh English Ivy The perfect potted plant to add subtle green tones to your bedroom. English Ivy thrives in hanging baskets or teamed with other plants in a shared pot. It also has air-purifying qualities to help you relax and drift off into a deep sleep. English Ivy, because of its size and habit, is perfect for smaller bedrooms.  Care tips: English ivy likes to be well drained and not sat in water. It’s best to give this plant a drink when the top of the soil is dry. English ivy is very easy to manage and perfect for those who aren't naturally green-fingered. Ensure it has access to natural light to keep its beautiful deep green leaves flourishing.   Areca Palm This impressive tropical house plant has great benefits for those that suffer from skin irritations. Areca Palms can increase the moisture in the air, helping with skin dryness, sore throats and even tight joints. Breathing dry air whilst asleep can also make conditions such as asthma and bronchitis worse. Increasing humidity levels can be a great relief for sufferers. Areca Palms are also pet friendly. Be aware, some house plants can contain toxins that are harmful to our furry friends. If you still need convincing that the areca palm could be the perfect house plant, it also absorbs and eliminates toxic air pollutants that can be found in household items such as paints and some wooden furniture. Photo Credit / Behnam Norouzi Care tips: Areca palms love plenty of bright light (natural or artificial). During the warmer months, it will need constant light moisture, keeping a spray bottle close by is always a good idea. As long as your palm has plenty of light it is very low maintenance for a big impact. This gorgeous palm can reach up to 7 feet tall, so be sure to give it plenty of room.  Peace Lily A great introduction to house plants for novice growers. Peace Lilies are very easy to care for and are an eye-catching addition to any bedroom. They are a feng shui favourite as they create a sense of balance and tranquillity, the perfect mix to send you straight to sleep. Care tips: Peace Lilies are tolerant to a wide range of lighting conditions, making them a very versatile plant. However, the more light they are exposed to, the more flowers they will produce. We suggest keeping the soil moist but not wet, plus an occasional misting will help bring out the beautiful deep hues of the leaves.   Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) There are several types of dracaena trees on the market, all of which have been proven to purify and clean the air. They are also great at filtering out toxins which makes them the perfect addition to any bedroom. Dragon trees are visually striking yet relatively inexpensive. They can also range in size from 1 - 6 feet tall. Care tips: These trees are very robust and super easy to grow. They need moderate to bright light, and soil that’s kept lightly moist Photo Credit / Elly Endeavours Rosemary Often overlooked as a house plant, rosemary has a beautiful pine-rich scent that brings the perfect dose of relaxation to any bedroom. Research has suggested that the aroma produced by rosemary can have therapeutic benefits, it can help elevate your mood and clear the mind. Plus, it’s always on hand for your cooking! Care tips: For growing rosemary successfully indoors, the plant requires strong natural light, so best keep it by a bright window. Allow the top soil to dry in between watering, and turn the pot every week so the plant grows more evenly.

Guest Blog: Freddy Carrick, Menopause Educator & Author I remember making my bed one day, walking away and sobbing. I desperately needed sleep but with a newborn son and a business to run, I knew it was many hours before I could collapse in between those sheets.The number one priority for women in 2023(probably forever) is to get enough quality sleep. According to Mintel, 7 out of 10 women worry about not getting enough rest.It’s no accident that sleep deprivation is a recognized torture. Regular loss of sleep makes us stressed, triggering production of cortisol, normally produced when we need to fight or run away. When cortisol levels increase that will increase blood pressure and heart rate, muscle tension, and halt digestion, because your body is preparing for action.  Inevitably, a disrupted sleep creates a chain reaction which is negative to health and wellbeing, with a feeling of confusion and brain fog causing a loss of personal confidence.It begins with a feeling of lethargy, of not wanting to start the day, a heaviness to limbs. It’s more difficult to balance mood, and irritability is barely manageable. According to recent research high cortisol levels caused by poor sleep can entice a woman to eat an extra 350 calories a day.Once women reach their mid-forties, the earliest symptoms of menopause are making themselves known, even though she may not realise it. These symptoms are a disruptor of quality sleep because poor body temperature regulation is one of the first symptoms, causing night sweats and breaking a habit of restorative sleep.  In my work as a menopause coach and educator, clients regularly ask how they can improve sleep. Often, they have tried gentle sleep aids such as tea or herbal remedies. The answer most often is temperature control. Many clients tell me about trips to the bathroom three and four times every night. Those happen when the body temperature rises which mimics the normal awakening signal, triggering the bladder to work.This is where Herdysleep mattresses support you and your longed for restorative sleep. Due to the nature of their manufacturing and the fact that it is all done in the UK using age-old techniques, by buying Herdysleep products, you are helping to preserve traditional crafts and skills that have been nurtured here for hundreds of years. Temperature regulation is the magic behind every Herdysleep mattress, and it is (almost) all down to those wonderfully quirky sheep which have roamed the high Lakeland fells for hundreds of years. The Herdwick sheep are protected from wild weather challenges because, over centuries their fleece has evolved into coarse, springy, strong fibers which allow air to freely move through them and which trap cool or warm air as required. Great temperature regulation.Clients tell me they regularly change their bedclothes because a night sweat has left them feeling damp and chilled. This is awkward when you share your bed. Unlike synthetic materials, wool is breathable, highly absorbent and able to wick away moisture, keeping you fresh throughout the night. What is even more awkward is the constant leg out, arm out routine women practice, as well as moving around to find a cooler part of the mattress.  A Herdysleep pocket sprung mattress will allow all the movement and hokey-cokey you need to make, allowing your partner to sleep on, undisturbed.Sometimes I hear a client say they are suffering from random, totally disconnected from menopause symptoms, such as allergies in the winter. Once more that wonderful Herdwick wool content could support this since it is dust mite resistant, hypoallergenic and antibacterial, which is why wool is the perfect choice for allergy sufferers.By the way, you have no need to be concerned for those Herdwicks, there are plenty of them and their fleece must be removed annually for their health, total sustainability. Many farmers struggle to get a good price for their wool but, for the farmers who supply Herdysleep, they get a fair price for it and that alone could improve your sleep. As you relax on your Herdysleep mattress or pillow, you can count the sheep it has taken to give you a cloud of woolly goodness to settle into.   Freddy Carrick is the author of Menopause Unzipped, how to emerge as a goddess; and in response to many requests from women - Menopause Unzipped for Men, what women need men to understand about female menopause.  This is eBook and Audible, both available on Amazon. Freddy is also a menopause educator and offers a simple system for every workplace to become accredited as Menopause Friendly. Menopause is not a game of solo, and the misery of menopause affects everyone.  Looking at www.freddycarrick.com  Freddy’s mission statement is powerful, she says “I aim to end the misery of menopause for every woman who finds my work so that she can empower herself to realize her true potential and achieve her 'ideal self'”.

Embrace Comfort and Sustainability with Natural Wool Bedding Are you new to the idea of wool bedding? You may be wondering what the benefits are, sleeping with wool. This wonderful natural fibre has been highly prized for thousands of years and there are good reasons why. If you’re looking for something which is 100% natural, 100% biodegradable, 100% renewable, wool is the perfect choice for you.Herdysleep natural wool bedding has been designed to give you maximum comfort with minimum impact on the planet. Handmade in Britain, our duvets and protectors contain our specially developed Wonderwool™, produced by a unique process to create a multi layered pad with a luxurious loft. We only use 100% British wool in our bedding, specially selected for its suitability and performance, to give you a great night’s sleep. Hypoallergenic & Antibacterial Wool, as opposed to synthetic materials, helps to regulate your body temperature. Wool also efficiently wicks away moisture lost during sleep to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night. This makes wool the perfect choice for people with allergies, eczema or asthma because it creates a dry, dust mite resistant environment. Wool is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial and naturally inhibits the growth of mould, mildew and bacteria. This reduces the common triggers that create allergic reactions or skin irritations, allowing you to enjoy a restful night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and ready to face the day. Natural Insulation One of the standout features of wool is its ability to act as a natural insulator. The crinkles in the fibres trap air to naturally insulate, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Whether you're snuggling under a duvet during the winter chill or looking for a breathable option in the summertime, wool has you covered (literally). Highly Absorbent Wool wicks away moisture from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout the night. Wool can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, so no more waking up feeling clammy or uncomfortable – wool helps maintain the ideal sleep environment. Breathable Nobody likes feeling stuffy under the sheets, especially on a warm summer night. Wool's natural breathability ensures that air can circulate freely, regulating your body temperature and preventing overheating. It's a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a cool, comfortable night's sleep during the summer months. Like the idea of wool but not the smell? Herdysleep wool bedding is double washed providing you with a clean smelling, eco-friendly option for your bedroom.  Naturally Flame-Resistant Safety is paramount, and wool comes with a unique feature that sets it apart from many other bedding materials – it's naturally flame retardant. This inherent property means we don’t need to add chemicals to achieve the required fire rating, making wool a heathier choice for bedding. Sustainable Among the numerous options for bedding products, wool stands out as the natural, sustainable, and healthy choice. Is it time to transform your sleep? Sweet dreams await!

Herdysleep is proud to be in partnership with the community-owned, Mardale Inn. The country pub has introduced our award-winning Herdysleep mattresses into their newly refurbished bedrooms, assuring their guests a blissful and natural night’s sleep. The Mardale Inn has served the village of Brampton for over 150 years, maintaining its authentic character as a traditional country pub. It has been a well-loved community hub over the years, with a reputation for its friendly, Cumbrian charm.  In 2018, to the disappointment of locals, The Mardale Inn sadly closed its doors, leaving the village without a central hub. Concerned about the effects this would have on the community, the locals rallied together to form the ‘Bampton Valley Community Pub’. A group formed with the sole aim of buying back the pub, for the community, by the community. After a successful fundraising campaign and raising an incredible £400,000 to save the pub, The Mardale Inn was purchased by over 500 members in May 2022. The group recruited hundreds of individuals from the valley and beyond to invest and become shareholders. These individuals were a mixture of locals, those who have a connection to the area, perhaps due to their love of the Wainwrights or Whithnail and I. Or perhaps a love and appreciation for the abundant wildlife on the pub's doorstep. Everyone was welcome to join and feel part of the restoration journey. Having been closed for some time, the main aim for the new buyers was to undertake a full refurbishment of the pub. Which included the bar, kitchen and bedrooms. A key target of the long-term refurbishment was to make the building more environmentally friendly. To focus on sustainability, starting with improved insulation to reduce the energy load. This enterprise will utilise local products such as sheep's wool insulation and lime render. The initiative also opened the door to the induction of Herdysleep mattresses. Herdysleep uses locally-sourced wool from the Lake District’s native Herdwick sheep, which roam the fells surrounding The Mardale. Each mattress contains at least one full fleece, depending on size. Herdwick wool is a fantastic temperature regulator, is chemical free and gives exceptional contoured support, resulting in a restful night’s sleep. Guests of The Mardale Inn can sleep well knowing that the wool they are sleeping on also contributes to the local economy, via the Herdy Fund. Herdysleep donates a portion of its profits to upland fell farmers to support the longevity of the local farming community. The pub is now open for guests to spend the night in the newly refurbished rooms, designed with a traditional Cumbrian feel. As well as enjoying a good night’s sleep, guests can also enjoy a delicious meal in the pub’s restaurant, and explore the beautiful surrounding landscape. There are many things to do in the area. For those who love a good ramble, Wainwright's far eastern fells are on the doorstep, as are some notable fells like Knipe Scar. The original Mardale Valley can also be explored (now submerged under Haweswater Reservoir). Fans of the cult classic 'Withnail & I' can visit the original filming locations from the movie in Bampton Valley, such as the famous red phonebox. The Mardale Inn aims to be a family-friendly, inclusive local pub, delivering a vital service to its community and helping to avoid social isolation in the valley. The opening of the rooms will help the Eden Valley realise its tourism potential, celebrating the best that Cumbria has to offer, while supporting local incomes and employment. Herdysleep is very proud to have played a part in bringing The Mardale Inn back to life.

Herdysleep is proud to be in partnership with the internationally renowned Gilpin Hotel and Spa. The hotel has introduced our award-winning mattresses into their luxury spa suites, assuring their guests a blissful and natural night’s sleep. With an emphasis on relaxation and well-being, The Gilpin wanted to provide their guests with a 5-star sleep experience.The partnership with Herdysleep felt like a natural choice. Made from sustainable, natural materials and filled with a sumptuous layer of locally sourced Herdwick wool, each Herdysleep mattress is lovingly handmade to provide a wonderful night's sleep. With its three award-winning restaurants, one of which boasting a Michelin star, The Gilpin is on course to become the region’s number one foodie destination. Their vision is built on sustainable sourcing with low to no miles and supporting local producers. Values which are shared and upheld by us at Herdysleep.The partnership began during lockdown when Barney Cunliffe, managing director of The Gilpin, met with Herdysleep co-founders Diane and Spencer Hannah. With both companies based in Lake District, they decided that this collaboration could help support and promote the uniqueness of the Lakes.Speaking of the collaboration and how it began, Spencer commented “Barney and I started the conversation about putting Herdysleep mattresses into The Gilpin some time ago.” “As well as championing local sourcing and natural materials, the idea of using our Herdwick wool mattress aligned perfectly with The Gilpin’s requirement to provide their guests with supreme comfort and relaxation. We’re delighted to have collaborated on this Spa Suite project with Gilpin.”Herdysleep uses locally-sourced wool from the Lake District’s native Herdwick sheep. Each mattress contains at least one full fleece, depending on size. Herdwick wool is a fantastic temperature regulator, is chemical free and gives exceptional contoured support, resulting in a restful night’s sleep. Guests can sleep well knowing that the wool they are sleeping on also contributes to the local economy, via the Herdy fund.The hotel is confident that the new mattresses will bring a ewe-nique and luxurious experience to their guests. As well as helping to promote the local Herdwick sheep. By using wool from the Herdwick, visitors can enjoy unrivalled comfort while supporting the local community and helping to preserve the area's unique landscape.