Sustaining Thatching Traditions - Spar Training Day

Thatch is a traditonal roof covering in the UK but has been threatened by a lack of thatch spars. Spar making is on the red list of endangered Heritage Crafts yet some 18 million spars are needed annually to maintain thatched roofs in the UK. Spars are staple like hazel or willow fixings which are hand twisted and used to secure bundles of thatch to roofs.

Without spars thatchers can’t thatch. There is currently an identified skills and materials shortage to access coppice and make spars in sufficient numbers to support thatchers in the UK. The Natonal Trust and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, in conjunction with the National Society of Master Thatchers and National Coppice Federation and others are taking steps to address this.

At the event 8 bursary students wishing to add spar making to their thatching or coppicing skill set will have an opportunity to attend a free training taster day making hazel spars for thatching. Other places will be available for architects, surveyors, houseowners & conservation officers to learn about sustaining thatch traditions and the heritage skills of coppicing and spar making. A thatch supply issues update will also be given by Historic England. To apply for a bursary place on the practical element of the course please email Charles.BainSmith@nationaltrust.org.uk To book a space as a conservation officer, architect, surveyor or homeowner please book through the link on this page. A light lunch is included.