By

Bioregional reslience through Bast Fibres

Resource from:
October 1, 2024
Exploring machinery and methods to support UK fibre production

This report by Zoe Gilbertson explores the potential of a flax and hemp fibre system in the UK as a way to build bioregional resilience in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. It highlights how the production of natural materials such as flax and hemp offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-derived materials and emphasizes the connections that can be made between land, people, and cultural heritage through clothing and textile production. By bringing the stories behind the creation of cloth to life, the value of production extends beyond economics to include collaboration, local pride, ecological resilience, and fair farming practices.

“Clothing has the potential to make connections to land and people past and present, once the stories bound up in the creation of cloth come alive. The true values of production will be found in collaboration, local pride, ecological resilience and fair farming practice.”

The primary goal of the report is to support the development of flax and hemp farming in the UK, particularly focusing on the machinery, methods, and strategies needed for this industry to flourish. It also serves as a guide for those interested in bast fibres (fibres derived from the stalks of plants) and seeks to spark discussions around land use, agronomy, governance, funding, and the scale required for a sustainable fibre ecosystem. Given the current environmental crises, the report advocates for a shift toward localized, resilient systems that prioritize ecological balance and community well-being over profit extraction.

A key point in the report is the recognition of increasing demand for natural materials to replace energy-intensive and polluting synthetic materials. Hemp and flax not only have potential in textile production but also offer valuable uses in the food and construction industries. These materials are easier to process for non-textile uses and can generate revenue for farmers while simultaneously enhancing the soil as break crops. The report suggests that rather than rushing to develop a large-scale textile industry, the focus should be on creating a versatile, small-scale system that adapts to changing weather and seasonal patterns. This approach can strengthen connections between people and the land while promoting ecological resilience.

 

Zoe-Gilbertson_Bioregional-Bast-Fibres_-Executive-Summary-24-1-1_compressed