Do it yourself roof thatching

Have you ever built and thatched a roof or wished to have a go? We're going to have a go one summer as we like the look of thatched buildings.

Starting small, the Tank House (see picture) needs to look picturesque, so we have started to grow some foliage (Hedera) around its walls then construct the roof avoiding the overhanging Holly Tree , then try our hand at thatching the roof. Anyone fancy giving us a hand at some future time should get in touch.

Thatched roofs are not too common in this region but within this area of the UK, there is a growing movement towards using environmentally friendly construction materials. I worked for a while at the UK 'Centre for Alternative Technology' (C.A.T.) , and as it is just west of here near the coast, I think it triggered the local environmentally friendly climate.

The nearest thatched houses are a 12 minute drive east of the HoBB Gardens.

and C.A.T. (Centre for Alternative Technology) is on the west coast.

Is it any wonder that this area is full of music, spirit, arts and crafts along with loads of individuals exploring holistic health methods.

Now where was I …'Thatching'. Apparently, the most long lasting thatch in the UK is made from imported Water Reed but as I want to use home grown reed, if you know the full species name of the reed grown for thatching and maybe where I can get a few plants to start off my 'roof cultivation unit' then please let me know.

Waves as the wind blows through the water reeds of my planning,
~~~~~~~ <+))))))))>< ~~~ Grant

Posted by : Grant
Filed in : Voluntary Support