Next time you’re looking for snuggly socks, toasty throws or soft Shetland wool jumpers, don’t just nip down to the high street for a cheap synthetic comfort fix – invest in something made from natural fibres instead.

Started by former history teacher Helen Lloyd in 2012, Country Mouse is a Wiltshire-based stockist specialising in all kinds of UK-made textiles, including Shetland and soft merino wool throws, alpaca and luxury wool socks, wool scarves and even hot water bottle covers (which include a latex-free hot water bottle too). Helen is passionate about natural fibres, because not only are they environmentally-friendly, but they look and feel good, wear well and are also highly breathable.

Although the HQ is in Warminster, the business operates mainly online, but you can also meet Helen and her team face-to-face at horse trials, country shows and Christmas fairs – keep an eye on the website and socials for details of latest events. There, the Country Mouse crew like to chat to their customers, telling them all about the benefits of British manufacturing skill and letting people feel their products. Helen’s lifelong interest in history means she has a real passion for keeping British craftsmanship alive. She says: “I have always loved the ordinary person’s story and our merino and Shetland wool throws are still manufactured in a mill that’s nearly 200 years old and my Scottish lambswool jumpers are made in a mill that began in 1797. History and tradition are literally woven into my products”.

But even if you don’t get to meet Country Mouse in real life, you can still tell from their website just what high quality products they stock.  Colours range from sweet shop shades of pinks and purples to classic country sages and browns to Scottish tartans of varying colourways and there are plenty of close-up photos, descriptions and helpful blog posts to help you choose the perfect cosy knit. Did you know, for instance that Alpaca wool is lanolin free, making it perfect for anyone with a wool allergy? It’s also a warm wool which traps air keeping you warm due to the hollow fibres. Or that wool works when it’s hot too, because like cotton, its natural fibres wick away moisture? Who knew?! And how do you know how to choose the warmest/softest wool throw?  Helen says that a thicker blanket isn’t necessarily going to be the warmest or cosiest, “but if in doubt, choose merino,” adding, “I think people still think of wool as Grannie’s old scratchy jumpers. Fortunately, with merino and lambswool that’s no longer the case!”

So whether you’re looking for a pullover to keep your motor purring on an Autumn walk, a blanket to wrap round your shoulders on a balmy Summer night, or superwarm socks for your Winter wellies, Country Mouse is the one-stop shop for all that’s soft, snuggly and sustainable.