Maris Wigeon

There are two wheat varieties, suitable for thatching, on the current National List of Permitted Varieties (EU legislation policed by DEFRA) - Maris Widgeon and Maris Huntsman.^[5] Until 2008/9 the only commercial seed distributor for Maris Widgeon was Pickards Seeds, of Burrington, Devon. Other traditional varieties have become unlisted which means that they cannot be bought, sold or even given away.^[6] At one time, no option existed but to grow Maris Widgeon from kept seed.^[7]

Maris Widgeon is currently commercially available from various outlets, such as Pearce Seeds of Yeovil, Somerset, for commercial or organic farming.^[8] Pearce Seeds are responsible for 'maintaining and protecting' the Maris Widgeon heritage variety of wheat.^[9]

• Wheat: the big picture Illustrated guide to life cycle of wheat plant