The Hywel Davies Lorry

We love to see our products making a positive impact on the lives of our customers and their communities. We learnt that TrueWool® had been used to insulate the DPJ Hywel Davies lorry conversion by Olive_and_Oz, van conversion specialists of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

The DPJ Foundation, a Welsh mental health charity, created the Hywel Davies lorry as a dedicated space for the rural farming community of South-West Wales. The lorry, which was generously donated by Hywel Davies LTD, serves as a safe haven for farmers to share their struggles and receive support. Farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life, and at times, it can be very isolating.

Supporting Welsh Farmers

The Hywel Davies lorry is a hub to support farmers. It became clear that there was a lack of awareness around mental health in the farming community, and something needed to be done to combat the issue. 

Through community and collaboration, the Hywel Davies lorry gives farmers a safe, discreet, and comfortable environment to express their mental health concerns and troubles. After six years in the making, it’s safe to say that the DPJ Foundation has achieved its goal and fulfilled its pledge to the rural farming communities.

How did they get there? Enter TrueWool® and Olive and Oz. 

Founded in 2021, Olive_and_Oz are a beloved independent, family-operated venture nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Renowned for their expertise in imaginative and exquisite conversions, they revitalised an aged, industrious livestock vehicle into a haven of warmth and hospitality explicitly tailored for farmers to convene and converse.

Insulation is essential regarding vehicle conversions, and making the right choice is paramount. What better option than Welsh sheep wool to ensure optimal insulation for a farm vehicle? 

As TrueWool® has been manufactured as loft insulation, Olive_and_oz had to use their creative expertise to be sure TrueWool® would work. Being specifically designed to lay flat in a roof space, Olive_and_Oz found a way to stop the insulation from slumping in the wall cavities.

Eager to delve into their first-hand experience, we reached out to Olive and Oz to learn more about their utilisation of TrueWool® Loft Insulation in transforming the Hywel Davies Lorry:

How did you come to use TrueWool®Loft Insulation as your insulation of choice for the Hywel Davies Lorry? 

“The Hywel Davies lorry comes from an agricultural background, and to use sheep wool, which is made by locals, was an obvious and first choice; it would primarily be used in farming communities, so to have been insulted with sheep wool is also a great talking point for users.”

What width and thickness of insulation did you use?

“I believe we had 400mm wide rolls, which was roughly 50mm thick.”

During your build, how did you find the insulation to work comparable to other products you’ve used?

“Very easy to use; spray adhesive worked a treat for holding in place. No trickier than using the plastic spun insulation we had in the past.”

What was your application method to keep the insulation in place when insulating the wall cavities?

“Sound deadening, Wool insulation, spray glued, vapour barrier - Wall panels.”

Being made of sheep wool, did you find the product to have a sheepy smell?

“I, personally, couldn’t really smell it after working with it for a few hours. We let it sit in our workshop for a few days before use. Once behind a wall, it goes completely.”

Would you have any tips for using TrueWool® Loft Insulation?

“Don’t underestimate how far the product goes. Occasional delaminating requires some extra hold, but it is not a problem. Great product!”

Lorry Conversion Details

A 7.5-tonne DAF cattle lorry, thoughtfully refurbished with its agricultural heritage in mind, boasts a charming farmhouse-style interior adorned with inviting warm tones that harmonise with its intended function. Sustainability took centre stage in the conversion process, with a creative approach to repurposing materials such as reclaimed floorboards, doors, and fixtures from old milking parlours. Within the lorry, guests are greeted by a cosy lounge area seamlessly integrated with a functional kitchen, a consultation room, and ample storage space. True to its agricultural roots, the lorry is insulated with TrueWool® sheep wool, ensuring a snug and welcoming atmosphere.

Who are TrueWool®?

Wool Insulation Wales Limited is the pioneer behind TrueWool® and boasts nearly half a century of expertise within the construction and housing sectors. Inaugurated in 2023 by its visionary founders, TrueWool® Loft Insulation is the UK's sole 100% Welsh Sheeps wool insulation. Offering top-tier insulation solutions crafted from locally sourced, sustainable materials, Wool Insulation Wales Limited prides itself on its commitment to producing innovative products with a low carbon footprint and adherence to circular economy principles. You can find out more about Welsh Insulation Wales and its founder on our Smart Insulation Naturally blog post.

TrueWool® l exclusively utilises fully traceable wool, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout its supply chain. Through the British Wool traceability scheme, TrueWool® ensures that the premium paid for this transparency is directly reinvested into the farmers who supply their raw materials. For larger projects, let us know before ordering or quoting if you need to know the provenance of the wool.

Annually, the UK sees the shearing of approximately 30 million sheep, presenting a significant local and renewable resource. Shearing practices are conducted primarily for animal welfare reasons. In the contemporary context, wool is a meat industry's by-product. Notably, many sheep in the UK graze in upland regions unsuitable for crop cultivation, actively contributing to preserving biodiversity. Across the EU, up to 70% of the wool sheared annually is disposed of by ploughing it back into the fields. The wool, once composted, is a great fertiliser. However wool is such a smart natural fibre, simply composting it is such a shame!

TrueWool® Loft Insulation rolls are available in 400mm or 600mm widths, catering to various project needs. Many clients opt for traceable Welsh wool from specific counties surrounding their project sites, which enhances social value and aligns with circular economy principles. TrueWool® is committed to broadening this initiative to encompass other regions of the UK. It aims to procure traceable Northern Irish, Scottish, and English wool in the coming months, further reinforcing its dedication to sustainable sourcing practices.

You can purchase TrueWool® on our website. We deliver to the whole of the UK, whether you just need one roll or many pallets of insulation! 

We are always happy to quote for larger projects and to trade, particularly where knowing the provenance of the wool is desirable. Just  contact us with the details of your project, and we will do our best to fulfil your needs.