Thatching Straw Shortage

Historic England (HE) has updated and expanded its guidance on conservation issues for those considering a change of thatching material. Straw is the most appropriate material for re-thatching roofs on old buildings in many parts of the UK. Periodically, however, there are supply shortages that can lead to thatchers proposing water reed as an alternative to the wheat types of long straw and combed wheat reed. This is the case currently in some parts of the UK due to the low yield from the 2024 thatching straw harvest and the existing pressure on supplies following the poor harvest of 2023.

Suppliers and thatchers have reported variations across and within regions. A few suppliers have reasonable stock but those with low levels are restricting supplies of combed wheat reed and long straw to their regular customers or selling only small quantities specifically for ridging and patching jobs, which require less straw than full-scale thatching. Some thatchers are also bringing forward repairs to water-reed roofs.

There are cases, however, where thatched roofs require full re-coating urgently, yet thatchers cannot source sufficient good quality long straw or combed wheat reed so propose water reed as the best alternative. In such situations, an application for listed building consent will be required where a building is listed. HE has expanded its advice to clarify the decision-making process; help ensure all relevant information is submitted at the outset with applications and give local authorities the confidence and evidence to grant consent in cases of genuine need.

Proposing a change from the original/existing thatch coating to an alternative thatch type or roofing material should be regarded as a last resort only when all other options have been exhausted. The advice includes a list of questions, the answers to which should be submitted with any listed building consent application for a change of materials. This can be done either as part of the Heritage Statement or by appending them as a separate supporting statement.

The sector will face problems sourcing good quality thatching straw until material from this year’s harvest becomes available but in the meantime this advice should help owners, thatchers and local authorities during a challenging period.

The new advice is on the Historic England website: Conservation of Traditional Thatch

SPAB's Thatched roofing FAQs

See details of SPAB/National Trust Thatching Spar Training Day on 6 November 2025.

This advice note originally appeared in our members-only SPAB Magazine, find out more about becoming a member of SPAB. 
Image © SPAB, photo Douglas Kent