Thatching Tools
Longstraw Rake
This is a wooden handle with metal spikes used to comb down and straighten the Longstraw into place.
Interesting Thatch
Bus Shelter
There are some fascinating thatch buildings around the country, here’s a thatched bus shelter.
Thatching Materials
Gorse
Not just Straw and Water Reed are used as thatching materials.
Often, in the past, the base coat was made of other materials, including prickly gorse!
Gorse used for thatching
Unmanaged Water Reed bed
Thatching Terms
Reed Bed
Water Reed grows in watery areas eg rivers and lakes.
Reed beds for thatching materials occur naturally but must be cut regularly to produce good material for thatching.