A Lichfield-based business is seeing increased interest in a new product which it launched thanks to funding for new machinery.
Kateland Flock, a local producer of sheep wool products in Blithbury, used £17,5000 allocated through the Rural England Prosperity Fund to invest in specialist machinery that transforms raw wool into nutrient-rich garden pellets, a natural alternative to synthetic fertilisers.
The wool pellets, which are slow-releasing, water-retaining, and completely organic, are gaining traction and the firm has secured a retail agreement with a local plant nursery where the pellets will be available in the coming weeks.
Katie Stanley, Owner of Kateland Flock said:“It’s been a learning curve, because this type of pellet production is still quite rare but we’ve had fantastic support from the machine suppliers and are really happy with the final result.”
The funding was provided by Lichfield District Council.
Councillor Richard Holland, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for High Street and Economic Development, said: “This is a brilliant example of how our Rural Grants Funding is supporting innovative, sustainable local businesses. We’re proud to be investing in projects that not only help the local economy thrive but also promote environmentally-friendly practices.”
Kateland Flock was established in 2015 and comprises of 250 to 300 sheep in the summer, including show champions.
