NSA Next Generation Wool Symposium visit
A group of young sheep farmers and wool enthusiasts came together for the NSA Next Generation Wool Symposium on Tuesday 6th October 2026, gaining an insight into the journey of British wool from the arrival of a raw fleece to a clean, ready-to-use fibre.
The day began at British Wool’s headquarters in Bradford, where the group heard about the organisation’s history and its role in handling wool produced by sheep farmers. Delegates then watched a live wool auction before taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the depot.
A highlight of the tour was seeing British Wool’s graders at work. Every fleece is assessed in a matter of seconds, drawing on the specialist knowledge developed through a three-year training apprenticeship. Once graded, the fleeces are brought together and compressed into bales, ready to be offered for sale through the live auction.
The group then travelled to Haworth Scouring, the largest wool-scouring plant in the Northern Hemisphere, to follow the next stage of the process. Delegates learned how different types of wool are carefully blended to meet the requirements of specific end uses, including carpets.
They followed the wool through cleaning, drying and carding, seeing how raw material is transformed into a consistent and usable product. The prepared fibre can then be sold to spinners and mills for the next stage of manufacture.
Anna Wilson, NSA Technical Communications Officer and Next Generation Programme Officer says: “It was a fascinating day and a valuable opportunity to learn about the full process, from the moment fleeces arrive at the depot through to a clean, ready-to-use product. People often wonder why wool products can be expensive, but seeing the whole process first-hand makes you realise how much skill, time and work are involved in creating a usable product. It is important that we continue to champion the use of this natural, sustainable and versatile fibre.”
The symposium gave attendees a rare opportunity to see the expertise, technology and collaboration behind the wool supply chain. From rapid, skilled grading in Bradford to large-scale processing at Haworth, the visit demonstrated both the complexity of preparing wool for market and the enduring value of this remarkable natural fibre.
NSA would like to thank British Wool for funding the NSA Next Generation Wool Symposium and for its hospitality.
