Thatcher
The Work
Thatchers are skilled craftspeople who roof, re-roof or repair thatched properties. They have to conform to strict rules governing the materials and methods they use, in order to preserve the building in its original form.
The preparation of the roof and materials to be used is a vital stage. They may need to erect scaffolding or secure ladders to the building, and prepare the straw, wheat reed or water reed into bundles ready for use. The old roof is stripped and timbers are checked, repaired, treated or replaced where necessary before thatching begins.
Thatchers secure bundles of straw or reed to the roof battens using tarred cord or metal hooks fixed to the roof timbers. They work section by section, starting at the eaves and working up to the ridge. They secure the courses as they progress up the roof, and fix the ridge in position with hazel wood strips and hooks. They shape the ridge into patterns, which may sometimes be very ornate.
Thatchers use a range of cutting and fixing tools: shearing hooks, needles, eave-knives, various hooks, hammers and mallets. Some also grow and harvest their own thatch materials.
Hours and Conditions
Working hours are dependent on available work, but may include early starts, late finishes and weekend work. Hours of work are longer in summer and shorter in the winter, although some thatchers work at night under floodlights.
Thatchers work outdoors in most weather conditions. Much of the work is off ladders or scaffolding. Old roofs can be very dusty, and reed seeds and spores from wheat straw can produce very difficult conditions.
Work may not be in the local area, so a driving licence is usually required.
Skills and Interests
As a thatcher you should:
You may need to be prepared to live in an area where thatching skills are in demand.
Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release leading to NVQ / SVQ qualifications. You work towards NVQ in Thatching at levels 2 and 3.
The New Entrants Training Scheme takes place at Knuston Hall in Northamptonshire. The scheme is managed by Herefordshire College of Technology. Training is normally spread over two years combining block release with work placements. Successful completion of the course leads to NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Thatching.
Mandatory units include the planning and preparation of work areas together with assessment and suitability of thatching materials; health and safety issues are also covered. In addition, optional units can be taken in:
In Scotland, you work towards SVQ Thatching at Level 2.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Most thatchers are self-employed, working alone or with one partner, one trainee and / or one labourer.
Most thatched buildings are in specific areas of England and there are large areas with little or no thatch. Most work is in rural areas, especially in the West Country, East Anglia and the Midlands. Small numbers of thatchers work in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. There may be some opportunities for qualified thatchers to work on contracts overseas.
There is fierce competition for all thatching work. The Countryside Agency advises those who live outside a main thatching region to have another form of income which can provide the flexibility to undertake thatching work as it arises.
Conservation regulations often do not allow owners to replace thatch with other materials, therefore the number of thatched properties is reasonably stable. The amount of business, however, is dictated by the owners' ability to afford the work.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Salaries start around £9,699 or more a year. With experience, thatchers can earn around £12,300 or more a year.
A self-employed thatcher would negotiate a rate for each job and may earn much more.
Further Information
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The Countryside Agency
Tel: 01242 521381
www.countryside.gov.uk
National Society of Master Thatchers
www.nsmt.co.uk
Thatching Information Service
Tel: 01920 438710
