Guanaco in the UK

GUANACOS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

Ethical Fibre, Extraordinary Origin

The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is a wild South American camelid, closely related to the llama and vicuña. Known for their elegant build and russet coats, guanacos have long roamed the high plains of the Andes — but now, a select few call the green hills of the Peak District home. Following more than 20 years of careful breeding our herd is possibly the largest outside of South America.

Adaptable, intelligent, and naturally hardy, guanacos are not only beautiful animals but produce one of the finest natural fibres in the world — finer even than cashmere.


A FEW INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GUANACO

guanaco chulengo

CHULENGO

Young guanaco are called chulengo. Guanaco don't lick their young when born, but rely on the sun to dry them. They have an uncanny nack of picking lovely sunny days to give birth. The gestation period is 11.5 months.

guanaco herd

GUANACO HERD

Guanaco are a herd animal and will run with a single male. Once the chulengo are about a year old, the herd male will drive off the male chulengos from the herd. They will then run as a bachelor herd quite happily.

guanaco fibre yarn and shawl

GUANACO FIBRE

Fibre from guanaco is highly desirable, being finer than cashmere and warmer than wool. We have exported our fibre as far a field as Japan and America. We shear the herd every 2 years to achieve a desirable staple length.

guanaco for sale

GUANACO FOR SALE

We have a successful breeding programme here at Heathylee House Farm. We occasionally have guanaco for sale for those looking for either a starter herd, or young males. Further details here.

Guanaco Chulengo born in the UK

GUANACO FARMING

Sustainable farming for luxury fibres

Although traditionally wild, guanacos have increasingly become the focus of sustainable farming initiatives aimed at preserving their populations while ethically harvesting their fibre. Farming guanacos requires a deep respect for their semi-wild nature. With careful management, guanacos can be shorn without harm, allowing their incredibly soft undercoat to be collected once every two years — a practice that supports both conservation and craftsmanship.

Their presence not only contributes to local biodiversity but also allows UK-based artisans and eco-conscious consumers to access this extraordinary fibre without relying on overseas sources.

Fresh in: the latest clip, dehaired to the highest standard. Very limited supply, so hurry to get your hands on a cloud of true spinning luxury.

MORE INFO
Guanaco fine fibre from the Peak District

GUANACO IN THE UK

One of the finest fibres in the world

Guanaco are the wild cousin of the Llama and Alpaca. They are not considered domesticated. They have one of the finest fibres in the world, finer than cashmere. Their coat is made up of 2 layers, a coarser outer guard hair and a fine downy undercoat. They are smaller than a Llama, but bigger than an alpaca. Their temperament could be described as timid, but curious and are happy to mix with our donkeys, sheep and goats. They can withstand a range of temperatures from -40 deg C to +40 deg C, but really don't like the rain, preferring to go under cover during inclement weather.
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guanaco for sale

GUANACO FOR SALE

Interested in keeping guanaco? We occasionally have animals for sale and can offer support and guidance.
CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS

ADDRESS
Heathylee House Farm
Hollinsclough
Nr Buxton
Peak District
SK17 0RD


CONTACT:

Email:  karen@heathylee.co.uk

Phone: 01298 83659

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