Experiments in growing spelt by Steve Burrow (National History Museum, Wales-UK)
Project aims
Rigour
We wanted to thatch our roundhouses with a material that was as close to the original as possible.
Sustainability
Thatching is very expensive, if we can learn how to grow thatch straw ourselves we can save a lot of money
Engagement
We wanted a project to which lots of staff and volunteers could contribute
Experimentation
Growing, harvesting and planting on a large scale involves many unknowns. We wanted to know what they were
4. Project aims
Rigour
We wanted to thatch our roundhouses with a material that was
as close to the original as possible.
Sustainability
Thatching is very expensive, if we can learn how to grow thatch
straw ourselves we can save a lot of money
Engagement
We wanted a project to which lots of staff and volunteers could
contribute
Experimentation
Growing, harvesting and planting on a large scale involves
many unknowns. We wanted to know what they were
5. How big an area do we need to grow the thatch for two roundhouses
(roof area 510m2)
3.2ha
29. The stages of work…
Cut the crop Stack it upright Let it dry Put it on wagons
Put back Remove
Store when ready
in store until
the heads
ready
Unload wagons
into store
Take out from
Move it to
the roundhouses Use it for thatch
Load onto
wagons
30. 30
The stages of work…
Cut the crop Stack it upright Let it dry Put it on wagons
Put back Remove
Store when ready
in store until
the heads
ready
Unload wagons
into store
Take out from
Move it to
the roundhouses Use it for thatch
Load onto
wagons
31. 31
The stages of work…
Cut the crop Stack it upright Let it dry Put it on wagons
Put back Remove
Store when ready
in store until
the heads
ready
Unload wagons
into store
Take out from
Move it to
the roundhouses Use it for thatch
Load onto
wagons
Cut the crop Stack it upright Let it dry Remove
the heads
Move it to
the roundhouses Use it for thatch
Load onto
wagons
32.
33. Steve Burrow
St Fagans National History Museum
@BurrowSteve
Experiments in growing spelt
WP5