The British wool industry has faced its challenges, transitioning from a cornerstone of the global economy to a niche market fighting competition from synthetic alternatives.
In this Farmers Guardian podcast, guest Harriet Fletcher-Gilhuys, textiles researcher at Fashion Roundtable and lead at the Great British Wool Revival, highlights the benefits of British wool, touching on the more than 72 different sheep breeds and their unique characteristics.
While acknowledging the supply chain's difficulties, Harriet shares the work the Great British Wool Revival does in advocating for fairness for all.
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Having grown up in rural Shropshire surrounded by farmers, Harriet picked up on their feelings of unfairness when it comes to making money from wool and studying fashion meant she was very driven in terms of sustainability. Finding a way to bring those two worlds together is what drove Harriets work at Fashion Roundtable and the Great British Wool Revival.
"For me, I just connected all of my worlds together when I was doing my degree and thought, ‘okay, I am aware that British wool is not being used and utilised and I am aware of all the problems that the farmers and my neighbours have been having when I was growing up - how can I make this better for them and how can I make the world a better place?' So, that is what I did," said Harriet.
If you want to find out more about the Great British Wool Revival visit: greatbritishwoolrevival.co.uk
