Thatching straw production
Total project costs £45,870
Fund grant £18,348 (40% of total)
Thatching has been one of the principle roofing traditions within the New Forest and it is therefore a major contributor to the character and appearance of the area, with thatched buildings existing in virtually every village and hamlet within the New Forest National Park.
The dominant materials used were long straw and combed wheat straw. Over recent years this tradition has come under threat due to a combination of reasons including increased use of water reed, poor harvests, changes in agricultural practices and thatchers reaching retirement age.
The Sustainable Development Fund awarded a grant to a local thatcher to grow appropriate thatching straw varieties in the New Forest National Park, suitable for use in the area. This was trialled during 2009 and, having been successful, has been expanded during 2010.
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