Great to sit down with Chris Dodson Thatching Services this week and talk to him to better understand the challenges facing the thatching industry.
The recent poor harvests have hugely impacted the availability of thatching straw and this could potentially be a major problem, particularly given the need for like-for-like material replacement on listed properties rather than allowing a switch to the more plentifully available water reed.
Additionally there could be further impact to the already currently low availability of thatching straw from the impact of the Family Farms Tax and potentially reduced land availability for the production of this straw specifically.
I will challenge the Government regarding the support they are giving to our thatchers and the thatching industry more broadly as we must ensure that this historic industry is protected and supported going forward.
