Jeff Helme has been a professional thatcher for over four decades, working from his home base in Conington, near Cambridge. His career, which began shortly after leaving school, reflects a deep appreciation for the craft and the unique qualities of thatched homes.

Thatched properties are often seen as costly to maintain, but Helme emphasizes their benefits when properly cared for. He points to the excellent insulation of thick thatch, which helps keep houses warm in winter and cool during summer heatwaves. Helme argues that traditional English thatched cottages offer aesthetic and practical advantages over many modern homes.

Costs for thatching vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and design of the building, the type of thatching material used, and features such as gabled dormer windows. A complete rethatch of a typical cottage generally runs between £20,000 and £30,000 and can take about a month to complete.

Contrary to popular belief, Helme notes that summer is actually a challenging season for thatching due to excessive heat on rooftops. He prefers working on cold, clear mornings. The physical demands of the work—such as carrying bundles of thatch—are considerable and usually better suited to younger practitioners.

One ongoing challenge for the profession is attracting younger people to train as thatchers. The average age of practitioners has risen in recent years. Helme points to initiatives like the National Society of Master Thatchers’ training scheme as vital to sustaining the trade. While Helme’s own children have pursued different careers, he remains committed to passing on his knowledge to apprentices.

There are three primary types of thatching materials used: long straw, combed wheat reed, and water reed. Each type offers distinct visual styles and durability tailored to regional preferences. Long straw thatch, once widely used, has become increasingly rare due to the manual labor involved and the specialized cultivation it requires. It can be treated with fire-retardant sprays, although these treatments are costly and require reapplication every five years.

Helme describes the tools of the trade as largely traditional and hands-on, with the “leggett” or dresser—a large flat tool used to flatten and shape the thatch—being particularly essential. He prefers to avoid power tools such as hedge cutters, favoring the control provided by hand tools. Protective gear like knee pads has become necessary over time due to the physical strain of the work.

Thatch bundles are secured with wire, and wire mesh is installed to deter animals like squirrels, rooks, and rats, though mice often find ways inward. Generally, old layers of thatch are preserved unless there has been fire damage, which helps maintain the roof’s integrity and character.

The worksite can yield unexpected finds, from old newspapers used as draft protection to children’s shoes believed to ward off evil spirits. Wildlife interactions are common, including jackdaws attempting to steal thatch for nests and occasional visits from ducks laying eggs.

Despite its moments of solitude, Helme values the vantage point and connection to nature the job provides. He acknowledges the inherent risks, recounting incidents that caused serious injuries, including a fractured vertebra and broken shoulder sustained from falls.

Helme, who started his own business in 2000, estimates the average annual income for thatchers to be around £60,000, potentially higher for those who work diligently. He stresses the importance of finding fulfillment in the work rather than focusing solely on financial rewards, a principle he shares with his apprentices. The pride in maintaining and restoring traditional thatch roofs remains a driving force behind his enduring career.