Janet Finch-Saunders MS – the Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – has today (12 October) written to the Director-General of the National Trust to urge the charitable organisation to review its wool purchasing practices, as this year’s extended Wool Week 2020 continues. 

Last week, the Shadow Minister marked the nationwide celebratory event by writing out to the nation’s carpet and bedding manufacturers and retailers to promote the virtues of this natural Welsh fibre. Mrs Finch-Saunders is now looking for confirmation from the British organisation that the Trust would consider using Welsh wool as insulation, as well as in upgrades to furnishings and for sale in their stores. The letter follows a productive meeting with British Wool (formerly the British Wool Marketing Board), in which the Member of the Welsh Parliament spoke of her Welsh Wool Pledge initiative.  

Commenting on her letter to the National Trust, Janet said:  

“This has been an incredibly difficult year for Welsh sheep farmers, with many regrettably taking the difficult decision to burn or plough this material as a direct result of the collapse in wool clip price. It is why the Campaign for Wool’s Wool Week has taken on such significance on its tenth anniversary.  

“In my discussions with industry officials, it has become clear that key national organisations must play a wider role in supporting our nation’s sheep farmers. Charities like the National Trust must consider Welsh wool for its insulation projects, for any future replacement of carpets, as well as for saleable material throughout its shop items. 

“This is why I have urged the Director-General of the National Trust to engage with officials at British Wool to undertake a review of their wool purchasing practices. Whilst the charity’s support of Welsh wool in the sale of throws is to be applauded, this organisation should set about to become a proud example to other firms.  

“As well as many smallholders throughout Wales ready to supply fleece and yarn, there are also several Welsh spinning and weaving companies who are happy to work with quantities of around 25kg and above to produce cloth. I only ask that the National Trust works with these businesses to promote the virtues of Welsh wool.” 

ENDS 

Notes for Editors:

• Please find a letter to the Director-General for the National Trust, attached.

Photo: Vince Veras/UnSplash