An award winning business which turns leftover wool into viable products has developed a new kind of acoustic board for restaurants and public spaces, writes Charles Martin.

The Woolly Shepherd buys low-grade fleeces and coloured wools, mainly from smallholders, which it processes into felt. The felt is ideal for use as insulation for lofts and walls or acoustic lining for home cinemas or recording studios.

The company, based at Milverton near Taunton, has now developed a 'woolly cloud' to be hung from the ceilings in restaurants to absorb sound.

It should allow diners to hear each other clearly even if they are sat next to a particularly noisy group.

The company is co-owned by Nicky Saunter and Tim Simmons who wanted to make the most of their wool.

Mr Simmons said: "We really went back to basics and just focused on the wool itself. When exploring possibilities for its use the sound absorbing properties of the wool kept standing out

"Natural wool has better sound acoustic properties than man-made foam, which is usually used on these types of boards, particularly at the frequencies of the human voice. The sustainability of this product is also a big plus."

The clouds absorb the sound twice – from below and then again as it bounces off the ceiling.

Mr Simmons said: "Wool is brilliant at absorbing the frequency of a human voice but the extra material just increases absorption of a wider spectrum of sound. For example, musical instruments that operate at a lower frequencies."

They are currently installed as a trial in Clavelshay Barn, a restaurant in the Quantocks. Owner Sue Milverton said: "We are delighted with the acoustic cloud. I don't notice the acoustics now, whereas before I was very aware some customers found it too noisy, they no longer have to raise their voices in order to be heard."

The boards will be tested in order to establish the exact rate of sound absorption but the company has already received interest from a number of architects, including Reed Holland, in Taunton.

Mr Simmons said: "The amount of interest so far, particularly from architects, has been amazing. The feedback from our trial installation has been extremely positive, we're hoping to build this into something big."