Thatching spar training day

Event details

Thursday 6 November, 9am-5pm, £90

Learn about thatching spars and sustaining thatching traditions. How to make spars and the importance of using traditionally made spars in the repair of historic buildings.

Thatching 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 a skills and materials shortage to access coppice and make spars in sufficient numbers to support thatchers in the UK. A thatch supply issues update will be given by Historic England.

This course, run by the National 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 aims to help address this key skills shortage.

Who is this course for?

• Conservation officers, architects, surveyors and homeowners who will learn about the importance of using traditional thatching spars, see spar making demonstrations and learn more about the importance of coppice, and the challenges of spar supply and skills shortages.

• Eight fully-funded bursary places for coppice workers, thatchers and others wanting to learn how to make hazel spars. To apply for a bursary place on the practical element of the course please email Charles.BainSmith@nationaltrust.org.uk

Both courses will get to crossover to share information and feedback.

All bookings via the National Trust website

You will learn 

The course will focus on the importance of using traditional thatching spars and coppicing for production. Plus, practical spar making demonstrations from national experts.

You will need

On the practical element of the course please wear sensible work clothes for working with coppice products.

Assessment / Accreditation 

Appropriate CPD Certification will be available for all participants.

Accessibility

Toilets on site, including accessible toilet. Level access into course spaces. Some uneven surfaces such as cobbles due to the historic nature of the building. Please contact us if you require an accessible parking space or if you would like to have an informal chat about access before you book. 

01793762209 | buscotandcoleshill@nationaltrust.org.uk

Course Partners

National Trust, National Society of Master Thatchers Ltd, National Coppice Federation, Historic England, Heritage Crafts, Grown in Britain

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Photo credit: Blewbury Thatached Cob courtesy National Trust