The poor value of the wool trade in Britain over the last few years has resulted in many farmers opting to burn their wool instead of selling it to the British Wool Board, due to the financial losses.
Wool, however, is an extremely versatile product and there are a number of alternative uses which could prevent such a useful natural product going to waste.
- Local hand spinning clubs – if available they are likely to pay by the fleece for good quality wool.
- Insulation – wool is a great natural insulant and can be used under existing animal bedding and within buildings. Wool is also naturally flame resistant and provides a greater level of fire safety than other fibres, making it perfect insulation for houses.
- Home furnishings – wool rugs / sheepskin rugs are incredibly popular in modern society. If you can find a local company who specialises in woollen home furnishings, they may pay per fleece.
- Gardening – although wool is biodegradable, it does take a long time to rot down. However once well-rotted, it is full of great and useful nutrients to aid a growing crop and the soil. This can be used as fertiliser on your own farm, or you could market it to your local community for raised plant beds / garden plots / linings for hanging baskets (it also makes a great slug repellent for domestic gardens).
- If you are planting new trees or hedgerows, wool will work as mulch for the growing plant. As the tree develops the fleece slowly decomposes allowing its nutrients to be absorbed by the plant. Putting them around the base of new plants also helps to retain water and prevent weed growth.
British Wool E-Shop
One new and interesting option for wool producers is the British Wool E-Shop. The website has just been released to farmers as a new enterprise which sells products made only from British Wool. This includes duvets, pillows, dog beds etc and is aiming to drive up the demand for British Wool.
