SHEEP farmers caught in a recession could receive a boost from the production of a new 'Bowland' carpet.

Farmers in some areas of the country have been burning Swaledale fleeces because it is cheaper than taking them to market.

The wool is proving difficult to sell because of its grey and black fibres and kemp, which makes it difficult to process and prohibits use. But now, hill farmers in East Lancashire caught up in the economic decline have welcomed the launch of a new scheme by the Bowland Initiative to produce the special carpet.

The Bowland Initiative has received European funding to tackle rural poverty and address environmental issues.

More than 40 farmers attended the launch of the new project at the Duke of Westminster's Abbeystead Estate in the Forest of Bowland.

Experts from the British Wool Marketing Board attended the event to explain to producers how they could improve their product and increase returns.

Also present was Andrew Pownall, chairman of Fence carpet manufacturer William Pownall and Sons, which is going to create a trial sample carpet from the Swaledale wool.

He said: "We use British wool whenever we can, for its bulk and resilience, and would like to use more. The problem is that consumer trends favour lighter shades, making it difficult to use Swaledale in our blends.

"Meeting the farmers to explain our problems was useful and I hope that, together, we can produce a 'Bowland' carpet.

"It is an exciting project and one which offers excellent promotional opportunities for us, for Bowland farmers and for British wool," he said.

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