ABOUT
Will Ford Thatching
I was born and raised in West Lavington near Devizes and wanted to be a thatcher from a young age (pic of me aged 7) helping when our family house was thatched.
I studied Engineering and Sports Studies after leaving school, then travelled and worked abroad for a holiday activity company.
In 2003, I started my apprenticeship with a local Master Thatcher and developed my passion for Long Straw and Combed Wheat Reed.
At this time, I was also introduced to the growing of thatching straw, which involved helping for several years to harvest and thresh the locally grown crop. This knowledge has stayed with me and helps guide me in selecting the best material to use for each customer’s project.
While working I also studied thatching at Knuston Hall, part of the Hereford Collage of Technology National Training Scheme and gained a City & Guilds NVQ Level 3 in Thatching.
This gave me a high level of knowledge that spans the whole profession as I was able to study in detail each individual area that makes up the process of thatching.
This support, knowledge and practical instruction is the reason for me being able to take on any project small or large. I am able to work to a high standard using the traditional skills.
I worked with another Wiltshire thatcher under the English Heritage Bursery Scheme and then joined a well-established Master Thatcher to further my experience in using Combed Wheat Reed.
Picture of me aged 7
I set up my own business in 2010, and was accepted into the Wiltshire Master Thatchers Association. As a Master Thatcher. I will always work to the highest standard and use the traditional methods.
I still love to go to cut and split my own hazel for all pattern work as well as using a local “spar maker” to fulfil my requirements.
Along with this knowledge I am able to advise clients if work needs to be done on the roof timbers. As well as write roof Condition reports for Insurance purposes.
Long Straw
I am very passionate about continuing the traditional methods instilled in me by the tutors at Knuston Hall and The Master Thatchers that I have worked for.
These methods (procedures) take more time to prepare but last longer on the roof resulting in better value for the customer.
I am one of a few that still ‘Pull straw out of a Bed’ when preparing Long Straw yealm, this is the traditional way of preparing Long Straw, this gives a far superior product than doing it the modern way, as there is a better mix of straw buts and ears in the yealms that we make. Resulting in a roof that has more material in the yealm as the roof wears back through degregation.
But this does take longer to prepare.
For me this is the detail that makes the roof last.
I am also happy to check and advise on any work that is required on roof timbers.
Water Reed
Whilst this is not traditional to Wiltshire I am also highly capable in Water Reed too.
Combed Wheat Reed
I have been highly trained in Combed Wheat Reed, having studied it at Nuston Hall. This also gave me a solid understanding and passion for this material.
I have spent many years honing my Combed Wheat Reed, and take pride in giving the customer the best roof.
Walls and Garden features
I have been very lucky over the years to have done a number of Walls and Garden features from total rebuilds of thatched walls to Arba’s and little garden grotto’s.
