In the heart of the New Forest, Herd Alpaca Apparel is playing its part in promoting sustainable fashion by embracing agroforestry principles in their alpaca farming practices. This innovative approach not only produces luxurious, eco-friendly knitwear but also contributes to the preservation and enhancement of the local ecosystem.
Our Alpacas and our Trees
Our female herd of alpaca’s graze freely rotating between two fields. Both fields have numerous trees with large canopies. This creates a mutually beneficial environment for both the animals, fields and adjacent forest. As part of our long term sustainability vision we have recently planted six new fruit trees to create an orchard area within one of the fields used by our herd of male alpacas.
Benefits for Alpacas:
- Trees provide natural shelter from the interesting and ever changing Great British seasonal weather! Shade from the sun, refuge from the rain and protection from the wind.
- The diverse vegetation in an agroforestry system can supplement the alpacas' diet, potentially improving their health and the quality of their fleece. We use a specific grass seed mix specially mixed for alpacas.
Environmental Advantages:
- The integration of trees helps improve soil quality and reduces erosion.
- Agroforestry systems increase biodiversity, providing habitats for various wildlife species and creating ecological corridors.
Sustainable Water Management
- Trees help retain water in the soil, reducing the need for additional irrigation.
- Alpacas that graze on grass drink very little water, thanks to their efficient digestive systems.
Natural Fertilisation and Soil Health
- Alpaca manure is an excellent fertiliser that can be used without extensive composting. We use our composted alpaca poop to fertilise our hay field and wildflower areas in our garden.
By embracing agroforestry, Herd Alpaca Apparel not only produces sustainable, high-quality alpaca knitwear but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the ecological value of their smallholding in the New Forest. This innovative approach sets a compelling example for how small-scale farming can contribute to both fashion and environmental conservation.