Across six sessions, six primary school classes from throughout the Minett UNESCO Biosphere discovered the wool of the Red Ardennes sheep and learned, in a hands-on workshop, how raw fibre is transformed into a band they wove themselves.

Where does our wool come from, what properties does it have, and how is it processed? In October, six primary school classes from across the region explored the world of Minett wool during a hands-on workshop with Nicolas Meiers. The focus was on the wool of the Red Ardennes sheep, a breed that also grazes in the Minett Biosphere’s nature reserves to help maintain open grassland. Through grazing, the sheep help preserve biodiversity and connect the otherwise separate core areas of the Minett Biosphere.

© Minett UNESCO Biosphere

Using microscopes, water and fire, the children explored the properties of wool. They learned why this natural material is so versatile and what kinds of products can be made from it.

Then it was time to try the craft themselves: the pupils beat and loosened the raw wool, carded it to comb the fibres, and watched how thread is spun. To finish, they became hands-on and wove their own bracelet. In this way, they experienced every stage of the process – from raw wool to a finished woven band. Felting was also introduced as another processing technique.

More dates in 2027

Are you a teacher who would like to experience this workshop with your class? More dates are planned for early 2027. Sign up for our newsletter to be among the first to know when the new dates are announced.