Traditional, warm blankets, made from wool of hardy Preseli Hills sheep, are back on sale in time for Christmas. A successful partnership between the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and the Preseli Graziers, who kindly donated their fleeces from flocks that graze the Preseli Hills, has resulted in the perfect Pembrokeshire present. A trial production sold out quickly and a larger quantity has been produced, including a new design and a bigger sized blanket, allowing customers greater choice. Bev Parlor, who is co-ordinating the scheme for the Park Authority, said: "Sheep have a long connection with the Preseli Hills and have played a big part in shaping the hills we know today. Preseli sheep are Welsh Mountain, a hardy breed able to cope with the harsh conditions. "The sheep are shorn once a year, at the beginning of the summer. Income from this wool has dropped over the years to not much more than it costs to shear the sheep so it was decided to look at ways of adding value to the wool." Fleeces are taken to the Woolcount Company at Brecon to be washed and spun into yarn, which is then woven into blankets at the Welsh Woollen Museum at Drefach, Newcastle Emlyn. The whole process is Welsh-based. The traditional, attractive and warm end product is being marketed initially through the Park headquarters at Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock and it is hoped that National Park outlets including Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort near Newport and Carew Castle will be able to stock the blankets next year. "They are available now and demand is again expected to be very brisk," added Bev. The full story of the blanket process - from sheep to shop - has been filmed and will appear on TV screens next year. • The blankets, which start at £25, are available in three different sizes and in various patterns and can be posted out at cost. For further information please call Bev Parlor on 01646 624832 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]
