Who and Why, our ethos. ..

 It began with a gift...

A number of years ago my partner and I were given a picnic blanket, it wasn't what I would buy and so maybe I already had my doubts about it. It was one of those ubiquitous polyester foam backed fake tartan roll mats. Perhaps price reflects the quality as they were cheap, the Velcro lasted about 6 months and the blanket lasted about a year. It had no destination other than landfill. We were cross and we didn't want another one... we searched for something we liked and failed, so decided to make our own.  

Our idea was born out of a frustration in the inadequacy of an item given to us, of course we could have chosen not to buy it in the future.  However we still needed something to use and that something didn't exist in the way we thought it should, so that's why we decided to make our own. 

Two years down that path Moorswood Field Rugs are coming to life. We have chosen to call our products Field Rugs as we believe they are more than just picnic blankets. Yes they can be used for picnics but we wanted more out of them, something to turn to in all seasons and for all occasions.  Our family adventures should not be bound by the inadequacy of our kit. Our Field rugs were designed on the Moors and wooded valleys of lowland Dartmoor but they have a purpose to be used in many situations whilst out and about, or even just for a picnic in the garden.

Our products carry the beauty of our outdoor wild places in their make up and deserve to be used, loved and cherished.  Memories of your adventures, be it big hikes across the hills or small family park outings will be bound up in their use. 

“I have always enjoyed tinkering about making things; out of wood, leather and other various materials. Craft, creativity, exploring and outdoor picnics are a passion in our household. Our field rugs are born out of a combination of all of these passions and one final catalyst. I am a volunteer member of our local Search and Rescue Team on Dartmoor, a team affiliated and trained to the national standard of Mountain Rescue England and Wales. It was whilst out training one damp winters night, when the idea for our Ramblers Roll's came about. Some of our Team stopped for a well earned tea break and I watched as different people sat in different spaces and on different things. A map here, a rucksack there and even a bit of old sleeping mat. I realised then that we needed a solo adventure mat, small enough to roll up and carry with you. At least then you don't have to sit on your map, you need to look at that when you drink your tea!"
Charles

Our Approach

Materials, Design and Ethos

If you've read our story of the polyester picnic blanket destined for landfill our Field Rugs are designed to be anything but. Our products our designed to last 20 years not 2. They are made from All Natural Fibre materials and these will wear but they will wear and age like a favourite pair of jeans. To help the effectiveness of the waterproofing they can be re-proofed with a wax cotton dressing and should they need it, they can be repaired. Ultimately though they can be recycled or are compostable, no longer landfill fodder. That, above everything else, is one of our strongest held beliefs, and we hope you believe in that with us.

Our Field Rugs are made up of various different layers and elements all chosen for the suitability to task in hand and are the perfect partner to a life outdoors.  They also hold a natural beauty which is reflected in the outdoor wild spaces we visit.

Our products are made in Britain and the leather work is hand finished by us in our work shed on the outskirts of Dartmoor. 

Use, Reproof, Repair, Recycle.

With due care our Field Rugs can travel with you on many happy outings, adding to family memories.  After years of good service, with regular water re-proofing of the wax cotton, and perhaps the odd repair, these natural fibre materials can then be returned to the earth from whence they came. 

In simpler words Use, Reproof, Repair, Recycle.

British Heritage Wax Organic Cotton

The base layer for our Rolls is an Organic water resistant heritage wax cotton that provides a barrier to wet grass, rain, and morning or evening dew.  Sewn with a cotton thread means that the cotton swells when in contact with water and seals the cloth, therefore making it more water resistant. The cotton is sourced by our British Wax Cotton partners Halley Stevenson based in Dundee.