1. The NIAB - NSMT “Triticale for thatching” trials 2007

Thatch is a perfect example of a sustainable building material. It is a renewable natural resource that can be utilised not only as part of the built heritage but also as a viable material for building sustainable dwellings for the future. Thatch is the only roofing material that will come close to satisfying the current government’s wish for zero carbon house building.

In the United Kingdom, the demand for high quality cereal straw for thatching exceeds supply; With the UK’s unpredictable climatic conditions, Triticale is an ideal complementary crop to wheat for thatching particularly as in the future wheat varieties suitable for thatching will become less available now that both M Huntsman & M Widgeon are no longer on any National Lists. The only way that thatching, for both new and historic buildings, can meet demand for materials is to look forward to new cereal varieties. There is no legal mechanism to substantially increase production of older wheat varieties and it is unlikely that even if the law changes to include conservation varieties the economics of maintaining pure and distinct stock will make the exercise unviable.

Some modern Triticale varieties have knowingly been used for thatching for nearly two decades. For those thatchers that use it regularly it has proved to be a durable material that is wearing well. However, the most popular variety, “Purdy” has been on the National List for 10 years and is rapidly becoming outclassed.

The collaboration with NIAB is an important step in keeping pace with agricultural crop developments. By monitoring new varieties year on year, quality issues can be identified, fresh seed will be readily available and breeders and agents will be aware of the characteristics that make good straw for thatching. In this way, the future for thatching with cereal straw can be secured. In plant breeding terms, Triticale is a minor speciality crop, which from a thatching perspective means that agents will be interested in considering thatching straw as a significant market opportunity.

Stephen Eyles cutting one of the trial plots. Martin Willmott (in sunglasses) is picking up the sheaves

Selected varieties from the NIAB Cambridge trial plots were harvested on 18th July and are currently maturing before threshing. The material will be evaluated in two ways, using methods developed and published during the original PIT project (2) and using thatchers’ evaluation through subjective blind testing to be carried out in November 2007.

Results will be published in November 2007 but for additional information particularly for purchasing seed for planting this season, contact the NSMT office.

Local authority conservation officers need to be aware that there are some active thatch consultants advising against the use of Triticale as a “like-for-like” replacement material for combed wheat reed and long straw thatching. It is important to understand that Triticale is acceptable and the issue is clearly addressed in the English Heritage Guidance Notes (1).1.

References

(1) English Heritage, (1998) Thatch & thatching a guidance note, page 7. “Combed wheat reed. This form of thatch uses cereal straw (usually wheat), despite the name” and Page16 Appendices “Combed wheat reed. By this term winter grown cereal straw is meant; it may be wheat, rye or a hybrid” and page 17 “Long Straw. In the choice of straw the same considerations apply as to the straw used for combed wheat reed………..”

(2) Angold R. E., Sanders M., (1999) Specifications, standards, measurements, testing and recording. Report for the extended Partners in Technology Project DoE reference: CI 39/3/286 Volume 3.

Triticale cv "Benetto" standing up well on July 18 2007 despite recent heavy rain.

2. Report on the dialogue with English Heritage and CITB on the future of Knuston Hall and thatch training in the UK.

In mid February 2006 a meeting was arranged between English Heritage, CITB and thatchers to discuss thatching training and see whether being in-scope with the Construction Industry Training Board – Construction Skills (CITB-CS) would offer advantages. It was motivated by the funding difficulties that apprentices at Knuston Hall were now experiencing coupled with its possible closure. Kit Davis and Marjorie Sanders represented the National Society at the meeting. They believe that in principal the Society might support the aims of CITB for the industry to move into “Scope”, but we require considerable more information as to the costs and benefits for members to be able to make decisions and to provide guidance to the Executive before any commitment can be made.

The National Society of Master Thatchers is totally committed to providing and/or identifying relevant and quality training for its members their staff and apprentices. In addition the Society recognises the need to provide guidance and sometimes training to other conservation professionals in relation to the commercial operation of the thatching industry. Any guidance or training we currently offer takes into account the conservation importance of thatch to the heritage of this country and the needs of the thatch owning public who ultimately carry the costs. Our courses and events are widely advertised and open to others.

We agree that a recognised thatching training facility is a worthy aim, but were shocked to learn of the small number of apprentices that have taken-up places over the years and the clear lack of guidance, control and assessment of the training being given.

To have credibility for the true relevance and current position of Knuston Hall as a thatching training facility the statistics must be made available showing the real numbers of qualifying apprentices for a nominated time. Any reference to the numbers attending should be supported by true records and should include real numbers for the drop out rates. Last years drop out rate for whatever reason was at least 25%, possibly higher. There appears to be nobody overseeing the training and Roger Scanlon could not even answer Bill Martin’s question as to whether there was a board of Directors or Governors at Knuston . Who are the trainers answerable to?

The National Society would like to see a genuine copy of the syllabus and training programme; together with a list of examiners who verify the quality of the training before any awards are made. The NVQ is irrelevant in that it is never asked for even by Councils or the like of the National Trust!. When the NSMT tested the water to see if there was any mileage in becoming an independent assessment centre the assessor we dealt with considered the NVQ to be a level 3 in its present form and as such totally unsuitable to trainees. Kit believes an NVQ is awarded to Knuston attendees as a matter of course.

These are brief extracts from exchanges between the Executive and English Heritage. We believe the NSMT has a serious commitment to the provision of appropriate training for its members and their staff. We are not convinced that coming into scope will provide any additional benefit.
What do you think? What training would you like to be provided?

Following the recent AGM at Great Yarmouth it has been suggested that thatching apprentices could experience exchange visits with reed and sedge cutting apprentices: anyone interested?