This one-day course is designed to provide an introduction to the craft of thatching. The day is centred around the practical application of a thatched roof on a purpose-built display. All work will be done at ground level. It is suitable for builders, homeowners, architects, conservationists and other enthusiasts.
The course looks at the different methods of thatching and ridging techniques, some roof construction, tools and fixings, and how to recognise the different materials with emphasis on the Welsh Vernacular.
This year, we will run two one-day thatching courses: one on a Friday, and one on the Saturday. We hope this gives both professionals and non-professionals a chance to attend.
This one-day course is designed to provide an introduction to the craft of thatching. The day is centred around the practical application of a thatched roof on a purpose-built display. All work will be done at ground level. It is suitable for builders, homeowners, architects, conservationists and other enthusiasts.
The course looks at the different methods of thatching and ridging techniques, some roof construction, tools and fixings, and how to recognise the different materials with emphasis on the Welsh Vernacular.
This year, we will run two one-day thatching courses: one on a Friday, and one on the Saturday. We hope this gives both professionals and non-professionals a chance to attend.
Ty Mawr is based in a farmstead in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is on the site of a medieval manor house overlooking Llangors Lake, the largest natural lake in South Wales. The area is rich in wildlife and history.
There are a variety of walks from Ty Mawr; stroll along the edge of the lake through meadows and woodland or climb to the summit of one of the surrounding hills giving stunning panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.
There are also plenty of opportunities for other outdoor activities in the area including birdwatching, fishing and sailing on the lake, ponytrekking and a climbing activity centre.
The training centre at Ty Mawr is based in a beautiful complex of Grade 2* listed buildings in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Mid Wales. Once the site of an impressive medieval manor house, the current buildings are set in 40 acres of land on the southern shore of Llangorse Lake.
The meeting / lecture room was once a stable and granary. It has been restored over the last ten years and, with the creation of a linked toilet block, has combined traditional and modern methods and materials to make an attractive and sustainable venue (including lime-hemp plaster, re-cycled glass plaster (glaster!), solar thermal panels and a rain water harvesting system) .
Practical training sessions take place outside or in one of the old barns or farm out buildings. Food is locally sourced as far as possible (some as local as the kitchen garden) and is provided by a local caterer. There is a small camp site on site and a good range of accommodation in the immediate vicinity (see accommodation tab).