Article written by Andy Scarlett

• New report published by Historic England https://historicengland.org.uk/ and Historic Environment Scotland https://www.historicenvironment.scot shows many growers of traditional cereal straw rely on old, outdated and unreliable machinery 
• Other issues threatening the industry are climate change, labour shortages caused by Brexit, and the Ukraine war
• This report and others recently published by Historic England call for various actions, from policy change and funding, to mechanisation developments to boost the English thatch growing industry
• Read the report here: Challenges to Thatch Supply Threaten Vital Rural Industry | Historic England

As the 2024 harvest approaches, the majority of growers and producers of cereal straw for England's traditional thatching industry currently rely on old, inefficient and unreliable machinery, according to a Historic England report released on 21 July. The report names this, alongside other factors, as one of the most significant challenges facing the sector. 

With thatch straw production incompatible with modern combine harvesters, most growers are working with machines that are long out of production, require high levels of maintenance, and for which spare parts are difficult to find.  

The findings are released as English thatchers also warn they are facing a shortage of thatching materials, due to poor harvests caused by changing weather patterns.  

The report is the latest in a series from Historic England, exploring factors affecting the supply of materials to the traditional thatching industry.  

There are approximately 25k listed thatched buildings in England as well as many which are unlisted and a growing number of new thatched houses. Concentrated in the South West, South East and East of England, these buildings are a quintessential part of some of England's best loved and most recognisable rural landscapes.  

Historic England's research paints a picture of an industry poised at a crossroads 

Thatchers' skills are in high-demand and they report growing interest from a new generation keen to learn the trade. Thatchers are often booked years in advance, and developers are even beginning to use thatch, a local, sustainable material on new properties. In many areas, traditional thatch is key to maintaining regional diversity and conserving the character of historic buildings. The thatching industry is also a vital part of the rural economy. 

Despite this positive outlook, challenges to the supply of good quality, authentic materials could yet put the industry at risk.  

The issues affecting supply are complex. Alongside the difficulties linked to outdated machinery, Historic England's recent research highlights issues such as: 

• Climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme and unpredictable weather events, which make it difficult to drill, cultivate and harvest wheat, with traditional wheat varieties used for thatching being taller and more vulnerable to wind and rain. High water levels linked to climate change also hamper water reed growth and harvesting
• Labour shortages as a result of restrictions on seasonal workers from the EU introduced since Brexit, a particular issue for highly labour-intensive wheat processing and harvesting; and a shortage of skilled reed cutters 
• Escalating rural land values which affect availability of housing for those working in the industry, and of appropriate storage facilities for straw and reed, and machinery 

In recent years, domestic supplies have been supplemented by water reed imported from Eastern Europe and beyond, which have come to account for 97% of all reed used in thatching – but this again adds a vulnerability, as world events such as the pandemic and war in Ukraine disrupt delivery.  

Action today will support a sustainable, long-term future for thatching  

The body of research Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland is developing, working in partnership with people in the industry, identifies a range of measures that could mitigate these challenges, from policy change and funding to training and technological developments.  

Today's report outlines opportunities for mechanisation that make conventional harvesting and processing for cereal straw more efficient, safer, less labour intensive and more financially viable. The next stage of Historic England's research will provide practical guidance for growers seeking to increase the efficiency of their existing machines or adopt new mechanisation options during straw production. 

More efficient processes have the potential to mitigate two of the most significant issues the industry faces: climate change and labour shortages.   

Making harvesting quicker and more efficient would make it less vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, and with fewer working hours required, the pressure of labour shortages would be eased.  

If the growing of thatching straw can become more commercially viable this would encourage existing growers to continue production and also be key to bringing in new growers. This is important because, from its recent research, Historic England estimates that 80% of cereal straw for thatching is produced by around 25 English growers. Supporting existing growers, together with attracting additional growers, will make the sector more resilient in the long term. 

Environmentally, supporting local supply makes sense as it cuts reliance on imported products that must travel many miles before use. Additionally, the cultivation of traditional wheat varieties can appeal to farmers seeking more low impact, sustainable ways of working, and there is growing evidence that water reed beds can be managed successfully for harvest, and simultaneously to support nature conservation.  

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said: "Generations of highly skilled craftworkers have made their living maintaining thatched buildings, which are a quintessential part of our beautiful rural landscapes. 

The thatching industry relies on a steady supply of good quality thatching materials. Working together with all those involved, we're pushing for action that will make growers' work more stable, financially viable, and safer.  

Boosting our domestically produced straw and water reed rather than material imported from overseas makes sense both environmentally and sustainably. We have an opportunity here to take positive strides in nature conservation and biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, building conservation and rural skills and employment. This will benefit those working in the thatching industry, owners of thatched buildings, and all those who love our countryside and our historic environment." 

Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland's research and consultation in this field continues, with work already starting on technical guidance for thatching straw producers using older machinery. 

Historic England's reports were produced in consultation with straw growers, thatchers and wide range of thatching and heritage organisations.  

Read the June 2023 report, Traditional Thatching Materials, Issues Affecting a Sustainable Future