In less than a century, the bustling network of 217 mills spread across Wales has drastically diminished to just 8 mills. The closure of the global markets due to Covid restrictions has now resulted in a 50 per cent decline in wool auction prices. For many, the costs of shearing the sheep, packing and shipping the fleeces has far outweighed their financial return. Consequently, wool has either been composted, or burned. Here we explore how the Welsh woollen industry— with the right support— offers huge potential. As a sustainable, luxury product, it can be produced entirely in this country, creating much-needed jobs for local communities and financial return to the economy.
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