THE Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen spoke about the importance that sheep farming can play in the regeneration of moorlands at an event in Bradford last week.

The Yorkshire Shepherdess made an appearance at an event launching Wool Month before 70 assembled guests across the wool industry at Salts Mill in Saltaire.

Mrs Owen, who stars in Channel 5 TV series Our Yorkshire Farm, said: “My life is much more than raising a flock and a family, I am a custodian not only of the flock on the moor but also custodian of the moor itself.

“I think that the whole idea of regeneration of the moorland and peat bogs is overlooked and could prove critical in changing attitudes towards sheep farming and what it can offer on a wider scale.

“We are currently returning our wool to the land which, as it biodegrades, adds valuable nutrients back into the soil and reduces the carbon impact at a higher rate than just planting trees.”

Peter Ackroyd, chief operating office of The Campaign for Wool, added: “In addition to the launch of Wool Month, this week saw the launch, in Brussels, of the Make the Label Count Campaign, an initiative backed by major natural fibre and fashion organisations in a quest to bring accountability to the often misleading world of product labelling.

“Given wool’s natural, biodegradable and renewable properties, particularly as we approach COP26, the overall message is; if, in the words of Dame Vivienne Westwood you “buy less, choose well, make it last” and choose wool you will make a significant contribution to the eco balance of the planet and the circular economy.”