The UK’s national body for sheep farmers and promoters of British fleece marked the milestone by opening its depots to the public, including those in Newtown and Brecon.
The Newtown depot opened on Tuesday, September 30, while the Brecon depot will welcome visitors on Thursday, October 2.
Andrew Hogley, chief executive of British Wool, said: “British wool isn’t just a legacy fibre, it’s a material for the future, and is gaining new relevance in a world increasingly concerned with environmental impact.
“Not only does it provide a natural, sustainable alternative to synthetics for the consumer, but buying British wool products also supports rural communities, preserves traditional skills, and helps safeguard the craft and heritage that has been woven through generations of farmers and makers.
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“Every fleece tells a story – and by choosing British wool, the UK is backing a thriving industry that values people and the planet.”
Visitors were given a behind-the-scenes look at the depot’s grading and sorting processes, with the opportunity to handle raw fleece and learn about its diverse applications.
Wool is used in products ranging from clothing and interiors to garden supplies, pet bedding, and even tennis balls.
The open days also featured stalls from Welsh wool businesses, including Melin Tregwynt, Cambrian Wool, Baavet, Chilcott, Dinefwr Blankets, Wool Insulation Wales, and The Woollen Cwtch Company.
The events celebrated the people and stories that have shaped the wool trade, highlighting the contributions of long-serving members of the industry.
Among those recognised are Alun Evans, former chairman of British Wool (1985–2000) and ex-chairman of the NFU Mutual and Agricultural Society in Wales.
Mr Evans, now 92, still helps on the family farm, now run by his son.
Also honoured will be Dewi Jones, a long-time British Wool employee who retired in 2013 after 48 years at the Brecon depot.
The open days are part of a wider programme of regional events taking place across the UK this autumn to mark British Wool’s 75 years of service to the industry.
The organisation continues to champion the value of British fleece, support rural economies, and promote the environmental benefits of wool as a natural, renewable material.
British Wool’s work supports communities, preserves heritage, and underlines the importance of sustainable farming.
