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Thatched cottage on a sunny day

Fires in thatched properties

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The New Forest has a strong association with the use of thatch as a roofing material.

From its 18th/19th century encroachment cottages to its late 19th/early 20th century Arts and Crafts small country houses, they all contribute to the National Park’s cultural heritage.

Out of the 1600 listed buildings in the New Forest area, approximately 20% of those are thatched, with many more in the National Park Locally Listed.

The New Forest National Park is lucky enough to contain a number of different types of thatch and further information on this can be found in our thatch and thatching guidance leaflet.

Sadly, fires in thatched properties can spread quickly and, due to the water-repellent nature of the material, they can be difficult to extinguish.

Please follow the links to guidance and advice in about preventing fire in a thatched building. Further information and advice can be provided by our Building Design and Conservation Team.