30/12/2013
Thatching straw, known as wheat reed, has been losing ground to cheaper imported water reed. But as Sarah Swadling finds out, it still has its devotees among thatchers and farmers.
Thatching straw, known as wheat reed, has been losing ground to cheaper imported water reed. But, as Sarah Swadling finds out, it still has its devotees among thatchers and farmers. She meets master thatcher Daniel Bishop who loves the art of building a roof with wheat reed. And she sees the summer harvest in action, with one of the largest growers of Devon wheat reed, John Becklake. He explains why the crop has to be harvested using 60 year old machinery.
Produced and presented by Sarah Swadling.
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Broadcast
- Mon 30 Dec 201305:45BBC Radio 4 FM
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