Background
We were very pleased to be invited to attend Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland’s joint Thatching Straw Harvesting Workshop.
Over the last few years we, and others e.g. the National Thatching Straw Growers Association, have tried to put the spotlight on some of the issues affecting supplies of straw for thatching. We have been involved in trying to pass on the skills, knowledge and understanding of this important production of material for thatching. Furthermore, efforts have also be made to get more people involved and to grow the specific varieties needed to produce thatching straw. It is heartening that those with more clout listen to what is going on, show interest and get involved. There is also useful straw research going on which is giving more information and data. This workshop was welcome.
Why?
This workshop was to share their research findings, a lot of which many of us knew a considerable amount about. Also, it was a perfect opportunity to then get people together to discuss these presentations and the future, regarding plans and further research.
Who?
This event was open to growers, thatchers and interested parties, both the traditionalists and the alternative production farms. It was definitely going to be an interesting event with so many specialists and knowledgeable people in the room. Indeed, the comment was made that if something terrible happened it would wipe out a large proportion of UK thatching straw production in one go! How wonderful to have so many interested parties. Not everyone could make this event and there were obvious people missing who may have made the discussions more lively than they were. We didn’t count heads but understood that around 40+ delegates attended this very interesting day.
Where?
This workshop was held in the Bouverie Hall, in Pewsey Wiltshire. Close for some attendees but a long drive for others. A great venue with perfect facilities for presentations and the refreshments provided were fabulous and well appreciated by everyone. Parking was easy and despite being a very warm day the building was comfortable. Seating for the presentations was at the front, round tables for group discussions in the middle and refreshments were provided for everyone at the back.
When?
This event was held on Thursday, 15th June. A bright sunny June day, not necessarily everyone’s best choice but no dates are great for farmers…
What?
The agenda was:
- A Welcome and Introduction from Historic England (HE)
- Overview of the Historic England Thatching Straw Supply Research
- Overview of recent Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Thatching Materials Research
- HE and HES thatching straw machinery research (Phase 1)
- Questions
- Tea / Coffee Break
- Thatching Straw Harvesting Systems – grower presentations
- Combed Wheat Reed – Conventional
- Long Straw – Conventional
- Long Straw – Alternative
- Combed Wheat and Long Straw – Alternative
- Lunch
- National Thatch Straw Growers Association – Current Activities and Future Plans
- Breakout session to discuss potential further research, support, training and innovation to help sustain the thatch supply sector
- Tea/Coffee Break
- Review of breakout session feedback, next steps and conclusions.
Thatching Straw Harvesting Workshop Raises More Questions
This event was very organised and well directed. We felt that there were some anticipated varied opinions meaning discussions were had and interesting and valid points made. Some of the points raised may not have been within the remit of the day, but were relevant to the whole issue all the same. Obviously, such an event will raise even more discussion and questions which can only be useful.
Questions
- Will the research and outcomes from this workshop will really help with keeping the growing and use of thatching straw viable and sustainable? Quotes from the day “It’s been pretty good the last couple of years again as weather better” and “if it’s not broke don’t fix it”.
- How long can the old machinery last?
- Will the new ideas produce a crop which is agreed to be good enough for the traditionalists?
- What will HE and HES position be on it and will the conservation officers take their advice? One thing is for sure, the price having gone up after bad harvest etc has made it a possibly more attractive crop for farmers.
- Where will the seed come from? Another interesting point raised on the seed bank.
- Will the conventional and alternative harvesting systems be amalgamated into a clear way forward for the future?
- Will the solutions be as simple as the event implied? Getting those in the thatching world to all agree won’t be easy. We have seen this over the last 40 – 50 years!
- Perhaps the fact that there is variance and differences should be seen as beneficial?
More Questions
Growers have been working on some of the points raised in their own ways for many years and sharing of ideas at this Straw Harvesting Workshop is to be applauded, if it works and is viable. Everyone has been trying for generations to safeguard against bad harvests etc. However, the end product being one which thatchers want to use, which has longevity and ticks the Conservations Officers boxes is perhaps what the aim should be?
Perhaps with more backing and research that will come. Or which should be the priority? Regional variation and postcode lottery on conservation officers’ responses with regard to thatch? We are optimistic but not convinced it will be easy. Perhaps the can of worms is now well and truly open.
