KENT, England — A dispute has emerged among England’s small number of master thatchers over the materials and methods used in traditional roofing, highlighting tensions within the craft as it adapts to modern demands.

The controversy centers on the widespread use of water reed, a material now favored for thatching many roofs across the country. Christopher Essex, one of the master thatchers brought in to work on the roof of entrepreneur Richard Branson, primarily uses water reed, which reflects a broader industry trend. Currently, most of the approximately 800 master thatchers in Britain prefer water reed over other traditional materials such as straw.

Historically, English homes before 1800 were roofed with locally available vegetation: heather in the highlands, reed near waterways, and straw elsewhere. Straw once constituted as much as 90 percent of thatching material, but that figure has since reversed, with water reed now dominating the market. This shift has sparked conflict among practitioners who are devoted to traditional straw thatching.

Water reed, largely imported from abroad—including from countries as distant as China—is valued for several practical reasons. It is generally less expensive, quicker to install, and more durable than straw, making it an attractive option for many thatchers and homeowners. However, the importation and use of water reed have raised concerns among purists who view straw thatching as more authentic and historically appropriate.

Another point of contention is the visual similarity between water reed and straw to those not versed in the craft. Stephen Letch, an advocate for straw thatching, expressed frustration over the difficulty even experts face in distinguishing between roofs made from water reed and those from long straw. This ambiguity further complicates efforts to preserve what some see as an endangered traditional practice.

The debate highlights broader questions about authenticity, tradition, and practicality within the niche profession of thatching in England. As the craft evolves, the community remains divided on how best to balance historical techniques with contemporary materials and economic realities.