Harvest Time Approaches for Unique Hemp Crop Project

In a bid to restore the historical significance of hemp weaving in Suffolk, Kitty Wilson Brown and Claire O’Sullivan are spearheading a pioneering project that combines traditional techniques with modern sustainability practices. Their initiative, Contemporary Hempery, aims to rejuvenate the once-thriving hemp textile industry that was prominent in the Waveney Valley for centuries.

Third Harvest Marks Progress

Wilson Brown, a seasoned weaver and artist, alongside O’Sullivan, a creative entrepreneur, are preparing for their third harvest of hemp near Metfield, Suffolk. The duo’s venture is a bold effort to bring back a historic craft that faded from the region in the early 20th century. In 2022, they received a license from the Home Office to cultivate hemp at Wakelyns Farm, allowing them to grow a crop that has been largely absent from the area for over a hundred years.

Reviving a Tradition

The goal of the hemp project is twofold: to produce vibrant, patterned fabrics and to re-engage the local community in the process of harvesting, processing, spinning, and weaving the hemp. This initiative aims to not only revive an important textile tradition but also to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Wilson Brown emphasized the significance of their work, stating, “We want to breathe new life into the hemp weaving industry and we hope this sustainable crop can be turned into colourful fabrics for clothing, art, and upholstery. As far as we know, we are the only people in the UK growing hemp specifically for fine linen, and the fact that the crop requires no fertiliser, no herbicide, no pesticide, and no irrigation is a huge part of its appeal.”

Sustainability and Carbon Sequestration

The environmental benefits of hemp are well-documented. According to a European Commission report, hemp has impressive carbon sequestration capabilities. Within just five months, one hectare (2.5 acres) of hemp can capture between nine and 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This carbon-trapping quality, combined with the crop’s ability to improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical inputs, underscores its ecological advantages.

The field-to-fabric operation at Metfield began in 2022 with a modest half-acre (0.2 hectares) of hemp. This year, the project has expanded to three acres, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and commitment to the revival of this traditional industry.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

O’Sullivan noted that the hemp industry’s decline began in the 18th century due to competition from cheaper cotton imports. The last East Anglian hemp weaving company, located in South Lopham, Norfolk, ceased operations in 1925. Despite this historical setback, the current project seeks to restore and modernize the craft for contemporary use.

“Hemp is one of the most sustainable crops in the world,” O’Sullivan said. “It has tap roots that can actually help revitalize and remineralize the soil. It sequesters more carbon than a new-growth forest, needs no chemical input, and grows so fast that it outcompetes weeds, leaving the land in better condition.”

Community Engagement and Education

In addition to their cultivation efforts, Wilson Brown and O’Sullivan host a Hemp Harvest Retreat each August, inviting people to stay at the farm, participate in the harvesting process, and learn about spinning, natural dyeing, and weaving. This annual event is designed to foster a deeper connection between the community and the hemp industry, promoting education and hands-on experience.

A Vision for the Future

The revival of Suffolk’s hemp weaving industry through Contemporary Hempery represents a convergence of historical tradition and modern sustainability. With each harvest, Wilson Brown and O’Sullivan are not only preserving a valuable craft but also contributing to environmental conservation and community engagement.

As they continue to expand their project and educate the public about the benefits of hemp, the duo remains committed to their vision of a vibrant, sustainable future for hemp textiles. Their work stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of hemp weaving and its potential to thrive once again in Suffolk.