Wiggly Woolch is exactly what it sounds like — real, raw fleece straight off British sheep, lightly cleaned but not factory-processed or bleached. Because it’s a genuine farm product, you will sometimes see a little sheep manure on the fibres — known as daggings on farms.
This isn’t a flaw. It’s simply the reality of using a natural material, and in gardening terms, it’s actually a bonus. Sheep manure is one of the mildest, safest manures you can add to your soil, and it delivers a gentle nutritional lift without any risk of burning plants.
Very occasionally, a grass seed may sprout in the Woolch. If that happens, just pull it out or snip it off — quick, simple, and nothing to worry about.
Here’s why Wiggly Woolch is so useful, and how to make the most of every handful.
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Why Wiggly Woolch Works
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Wool contains slow-release nitrogen -Wool naturally contains nitrogen locked into its fibres. As it breaks down, it provides a long, steady feed for your soil and plants.
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Sheep manure boosts fertility - Any tiny bits of manure left on the fleece add:
• a mild nitrogen lift,
• small amounts of potassium and phosphorus,
• and a helpful boost to soil biology.
It’s gentle, safe, and plant-friendly.
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Wool holds water brilliantly - Wool fibres act like a sponge, helping soil stay moist for longer and reducing the need for constant watering.
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It improves soil structure - As Woolch decomposes, it helps loosen clay soil and adds body to lighter soils — ideal for long-term soil health.
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It discourages slugs and snails - The fibres are uncomfortable for them to cross, giving vulnerable plants a natural layer of protection.
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It’s fully biodegradable and plastic-free - Woolch gently returns to the earth leaving nothing behind.
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Where Wiggly Woolch Shines
✔ Around shrubs, roses and perennials
✔ Fruit bushes and young trees
✔ No-dig beds
✔ Under woodchip paths
✔ Around pumpkins, courgettes and squashes
✔ In potato trenches
✔ As a base layer in raised beds
Less suited to small pots or very windy sites.
How to Use Up Any Leftover Wiggly Woolch
- Add it to compost - Tear it into chunks and mix it through. The wool and manure boost microbial activity and moisture retention.
- Line hanging baskets - It performs better than coir and keeps baskets hydrated longer.
- Make slug & snail deterrent rings
- Bury it under shrubs or trees - A slow-release feed and sponge layer right where roots need it.
- Wrap pots for winter insulation
- Use under woodchip on paths
- Add it to raised beds as a soil-building layer
- Provide wildlife bedding
Hedgehogs love it.
(Tiny scrunched bits only if offering to birds.)
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The Bottom Line
Wiggly Woolch is a natural, regenerative, plastic-free soil booster. The occasional bit of sheep manure is normal and actually beneficial. A rare grass seed may appear, but it’s easily removed and doesn’t affect performance.
If you want healthier soil, better moisture retention, and a material that genuinely improves your garden over time, Wiggly Woolch is a brilliant choice.
If you’d like advice on using it in a specific bed or project, just shout.
