Nick Walker

A master thatcher using a craft that he loves,entwining the past and the present. Rooted in place,but always welcoming the wider world.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

I've just received a copy of A Thatcher's Journey by Tom Allan....go and get yourself one, as it promises to be a wonderful book

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@be_reading Not quite-same base material (clay/straw/cow muck mix) but clay lump is formed into large bricks and air dried,then used. Whereas cob is layered up in situ,building the walls as you go.
Cob is used in the west, clay lump more in East Anglia

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

A freshly thatched roof, in Norfolk.

I have loved working here, using local and natural materials to revitalise a delightful cottage.

The cottage is clay lump, the roof is reed and straw. All low tech, all effective, all beautiful.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@AuntieEntity8 Clay lump is basically a large, unfired brick, made of clay and straw and cow muck. They are allowed to air dry for a few months, then used like bricks, held together with a clay mortar.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@simon_puxley Ah, those straw animals are not to my taste at all...far too twee! A well thatched roof will always look better without them, in my eyes.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@aahrens430 Thanks, and yes I was on that programme

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@PenderynDic @BFujer You're wrong in this case-the owner is a woman of advancing years who has lived here for over 40 years. She certainly isn't rich.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@AlwaysAlba58 Slightly different technique, though same base material

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@debrakdabra Won't be too long before yours is looking just as smart!

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@ForOurIzzy It will be fine...and keep you cool inside too

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@MrSalvenStadl Yes-they will sometimes pick at the ridge, so the wire deters them

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@CallumGRobinson @ArtTransworld @DoubledayUK @TransworldBooks @CWAgencyUK @AgentSophieL @JLewisStempel @leeinthelakes @hanwints @Millsreid11 @KatsCow Wonderful stuff, congratulations on this-I shall look forward to diving in

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@PeteMoring Nope, clay lump is very different from bricks. Usually found in East Anglia, clay lump is large blocks of clay, formed in moulds and air dried, held together with a wet clay 'mortar'.
Bricks are smaller, kiln fired and joined by cement or lime mortar.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@WellManneredXS Wow-4000 years! Extraordinary stuff, and again shows the worth of traditional, natural techniques.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

Getting mucky with daub today, a material that never ceases to amaze me

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@AdamSharpe15 Indeed they are....or at least they certainly have been for the last 70 years. But I think there is more interest now in traditional techniques and materials. I feel positive about their future.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@beesley_gillian Ah, thank you-glad you enjoyed the programme!

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@GrahamH36921247 No bird....I think the roof looks nice enough as it is

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

The last day of thatching on a rather lovely cottage in Norfolk.

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@norfolkhorns Thanks Dameon!

[Nick Walker @TheMasterThatch]

@3johnablack Probably easier!