British Wool, which boasts a membership of about 35,000 UK sheep farmers, is dedicated to grading, selling and promoting British Wool to the international wool textile industry for use in furnishing, flooring and clothing. In July 2024, the organisation, which is a member of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), announced that it would be making a strategic investment in NexGen Tree Shelters Ltd., a company that produces environmentally degradable tree shelters, hedging and vole guards, made from locally-produced wool.
About NexGen Tree Shelters
NexGen makes its tree shelters from British-produced wool. Its products are bio-based and environmentally degradable, breaking down gradually through microbial action to feed the soil surrounding the trees to which they are applied. The shelters protect trees and young plants from grazing animals, herbicides and pesticides. They also support the growth of mosses and lichens. These organisms, which are vital for healthy ecosystems, attach to the shelters and help create rich biodiversity as the shelter slowly degrades.
The company uses 156,000 square metres of British wool every month, making it a significant supporter of the UK’s wool industry. Each tree shelter is composed of more than 60% British wool. They come with a pollution-free guarantee and a five-year useful lifetime warranty.
NexGen sources wool exclusively through British Wool’s collective marketing scheme. British Wool will now also secure a seat on the board of NexGen, ensuring close collaboration and alignment of goals.
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“An Exciting Partnership”
The new partnership between British Wool and NexGen constitutes a win-win for the two organisations. Andrew Hogley, CEO of British Wool, says: “British Wool is delighted to partner with NexGen and support the company in bringing this innovative, new wool-based product to market. NexGen tree shelters will take single use plastic out of the environment and have the potential to drive significant demand for undervalued types of British wool over the medium to long-term.”
British Wool’s investment in NexGen helps to emphasize its commitment to sustainability, but also helps to open up new markets for its members. NexGen’s tree shelters contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
The founder of NexGen Tree Shelters, Gary Hurlstone, says of the partnership: “This is an exciting partnership for the company and will allow us to progress to the full production of our innovative products. We have so much interest in the product from a variety of sources and can’t wait to start seeing our British wool tree shelters all over the UK and in international markets.”
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