Sheep shearers are currently in peak season with over four million sheep requiring shearing across the island of Ireland. A new innovative shearing and wool preparation experience has been launched by Wool in School Ltd and allows viewers to become immersed in shearing practices from the comfort of their home or classroom.
The virtual reality experience is being delivered by the education business’s new Feirm VR (virtual reality) platform which will showcase farming in Ireland. The first VR experience is designed to support Irish wool farmers, enhance education curriculums and provide a vivid understanding of farm life and the importance of sustainable fibre production.
Free experience
The free-to-use experience is available on the Wool in School website and can be accessed at woolinschool.com/feirm-vr/. The interactive video allows viewers to experience firsthand shearing carried out by well-known shearer George Graham. He explains how to shear sheep providing insightful tips and highlighting the skill and care involved in the process.
George Graham is a strong advocate for promoting better education as to the sustainability benefits that wool offers. / David Ruffles
Viewers will also learn about the different qualities of wool and the factors that affect its value and usability. The 360 experience allows viewers to zoom in and out, scroll on a mouse or move around and explore the whole video space.
A number of pop-up information points also explain the unique qualities of wool which are outlined below the VR experience.
Wool in School Ltd have worked hard on the messaging within the video and it includes: “Wool is a super cool material made by sheep. It’s been around for ages and ages and is used in lots of things. Since it comes from sheep, it’s kind of like magic because it keeps growing back, so we can use it over and over again without running out, this means it’s sustainable. Plus, sheep are like nature’s gardeners. They munch on grass and help keep the land healthy, which is brilliant for the planet.
“So, when we use wool, we’re being eco-friendly and helping our fluffy friends too. Wool is cool because when you’re done using it, it can magically disappear – it’s like nature’s recycling. Instead of sitting in a smelly landfill forever, wool breaks down quickly and these nutrients help the plants to grow. So, when we use wool for clothes, blankets, and rugs, we’re also helping the Earth.”
UV and flame resistant
Wool has even been described as a superhero cape for or outdoor adventures. “It’s like a natural sunscreen because it blocks the sun’s tricky rays from hurting your skin. It has this special ingredient called melanin, just like your skin, which is really good at keeping you safe from the sun,” says Wool in School Ltd.
Shearers wear special shoes called moccasins which allow better movement of a shearers feet and provide better grip.
“Wool also acts like a magic towel, soaking up any sweat and keeping you feeling fresh and comfy, even when it’s super-hot outside.”
The safety elements of wool are also emphasised. “It’s naturally good at stopping fires, which makes it perfect for things like blankets and pillows where we want to be extra safe.
“Unlike other materials that can get sticky and dangerous when they touch fire, wool just puts itself out and doesn’t keep burning. It’s because wool has nitrogen inside that stops fire in its tracks. And the best part? When wool does its superhero thing, it doesn’t make any bad smoke that’s harmful for us to breathe. So, whether it’s in blankets, pillows, or even cosy sweaters, wool is always there to keep us safe and snug.”
Hypoallergenic
People with sensitive skin can also tolerate it. “It’s made from nature, so it’s gentle and doesn’t have anything that might bother your skin. For strong wool, like some Irish-grown wool, you will need to wear something underneath.”
Shearing is an intense job and shearers wear singlets to help keep cool.
“Plus, it’s brilliant against germs because it stops them from making stinky smells or giving you itchy spots. That’s why you’ll find wool in your snuggly blankets and soft clothes. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, fuzzy cloud of comfort”.
Visit woolinschool.com for more information about the initiative run by Lorna McCormack.
Sheep shearers are currently in peak season with over four million sheep requiring shearing across the island of Ireland. A new innovative shearing and wool preparation experience has been launched by Wool in School Ltd and allows viewers to become immersed in shearing practices from the comfort of their home or classroom.
The virtual reality experience is being delivered by the education business’s new Feirm VR (virtual reality) platform which will showcase farming in Ireland. The first VR experience is designed to support Irish wool farmers, enhance education curriculums and provide a vivid understanding of farm life and the importance of sustainable fibre production.
Free experience
The free-to-use experience is available on the Wool in School website and can be accessed at woolinschool.com/feirm-vr/. The interactive video allows viewers to experience firsthand shearing carried out by well-known shearer George Graham. He explains how to shear sheep providing insightful tips and highlighting the skill and care involved in the process.
George Graham is a strong advocate for promoting better education as to the sustainability benefits that wool offers. / David Ruffles
Viewers will also learn about the different qualities of wool and the factors that affect its value and usability. The 360 experience allows viewers to zoom in and out, scroll on a mouse or move around and explore the whole video space.
A number of pop-up information points also explain the unique qualities of wool which are outlined below the VR experience.
Wool in School Ltd have worked hard on the messaging within the video and it includes: “Wool is a super cool material made by sheep. It’s been around for ages and ages and is used in lots of things. Since it comes from sheep, it’s kind of like magic because it keeps growing back, so we can use it over and over again without running out, this means it’s sustainable. Plus, sheep are like nature’s gardeners. They munch on grass and help keep the land healthy, which is brilliant for the planet.
“So, when we use wool, we’re being eco-friendly and helping our fluffy friends too. Wool is cool because when you’re done using it, it can magically disappear – it’s like nature’s recycling. Instead of sitting in a smelly landfill forever, wool breaks down quickly and these nutrients help the plants to grow. So, when we use wool for clothes, blankets, and rugs, we’re also helping the Earth.”
UV and flame resistant
Wool has even been described as a superhero cape for or outdoor adventures. “It’s like a natural sunscreen because it blocks the sun’s tricky rays from hurting your skin. It has this special ingredient called melanin, just like your skin, which is really good at keeping you safe from the sun,” says Wool in School Ltd.
Shearers wear special shoes called moccasins which allow better movement of a shearers feet and provide better grip.
“Wool also acts like a magic towel, soaking up any sweat and keeping you feeling fresh and comfy, even when it’s super-hot outside.”
The safety elements of wool are also emphasised. “It’s naturally good at stopping fires, which makes it perfect for things like blankets and pillows where we want to be extra safe.
“Unlike other materials that can get sticky and dangerous when they touch fire, wool just puts itself out and doesn’t keep burning. It’s because wool has nitrogen inside that stops fire in its tracks. And the best part? When wool does its superhero thing, it doesn’t make any bad smoke that’s harmful for us to breathe. So, whether it’s in blankets, pillows, or even cosy sweaters, wool is always there to keep us safe and snug.”
Hypoallergenic
People with sensitive skin can also tolerate it. “It’s made from nature, so it’s gentle and doesn’t have anything that might bother your skin. For strong wool, like some Irish-grown wool, you will need to wear something underneath.”
Shearing is an intense job and shearers wear singlets to help keep cool.
“Plus, it’s brilliant against germs because it stops them from making stinky smells or giving you itchy spots. That’s why you’ll find wool in your snuggly blankets and soft clothes. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, fuzzy cloud of comfort”.
Visit woolinschool.com for more information about the initiative run by Lorna McCormack.
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: