Most of the loss of historic thatch results from stripping the whole roof and re/hatching in imported water reed or new straw. side, it would mean such buildings would be eligible for grant aid from English Heritage. The need for action is urgent, as it is thought that many of the 200 identified as containing SET have had their original straw coverings stripped to the rafters and replaced with new straw or imported water reed. A very important factor in understanding thatching traditions in an area derive from a proper archaeological investigation of a roof. John Letts has developed a method of archaeological investigation which provides valuable information. It is planned to publish a guidance leaflet showing how this is done, but such a survey needs to be undertaken by individuals capable of interpreting the structural development of a building and able to discern differences in organic material and thatching methods. One of the most important reasons why English straw thatch is being rapidly replaced with imported water reed is the presumed inferiority of local products. However, thatchers who grow their own traditional materials, such as Squareheads Masters (dating back to the 1880s) and Little Joss (1910s), are able to point to long straw thatches lasting in excess of 50 years. The older varieties seem to be more robust and have the significant advantage of ripening over a wider time period, which means that the arduous and labour intensive harvest can be spread over several weeks instead of being concertinaed into a furious fortnight. Screening trials are required to identify positively wheat varieties that can produce high-quality thatching straw. Unfortunately, none of the older varieties that appear suitable is included on the National List of Permitted Varieties - which means that it is illegal to sell, trade or give away their seed. The legislation is not an absolute impediment to progress on this issue, however, and the COHT committee is exploring ways of minimising its negative effects on the thatching industry. Trials are taking place at a number of sites in England including the National Trust's Holnicote Estate bordering Exmoor. Here the Trust is responsible for maintaining 60 thatched buildings and is devising a strategy aimed at full sustainability and self-sufficiency over the next few years. The plan is to grow its own straw, willow and hazel and for the estate's thatcher to train an apprentice in combed-wheat reed thatching. Archaeological and historical research is already taking place and this includes gathering information from estate records about the longevity and performance of more recent thatching. Achieving each of the objectives will depend very much in spreading information widely, and this will include Conservation Officers, thatchers, growers, owners and other professionals in the field. An article has been written for the Thatchers Newsletter which reaches most thatchers. English Heritage is planning a series of regional seminars which will also spread the message. It is hoped to alert owners by articles in some of the magazines aimed specifically at them. Making thatchers aware of the issues is crucial and a module is being prepared for the level 3 NVQ. The possibility of widening the training offered at Knuston Hall, the Countryside Agency's training school, is being considered. This will include specific short courses dealing with the identification and conservation of historic thatch. Chris Wood works for the building conservation & research team at English Heritage and sits on the IHBC's technical committee. CONTEXT 67 SEPTEMBER 2000 Liz Davidson: now architects can break the rules. "We don't want to be prescriptive. We had to be in the 1970s and '80s when design standards were low. Now architects can break the rules and make it look right." Liz Davidson of the Glasgow Townscape Heritage Initiative speaking at the Annual School. "If we drive out Terry the Tattoo Artist, we've failed. I've put him in as a performance criterion." Liz Davidson on the importance of considering a building's users as well as its fabric. "Take care on your walkabouts. Groups of conservationists are notorious for crossing roads without looking." John Clare, administrator of Annual School 2000. ~,wrrv~ L ~-- - ~ -~ r John Clare: conservationists are notorious. "We are always at a point where something is beginning and something is ending. We live in a bubble called now. It's always now for 13
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