Family thatchers · Wimborne, Dorset

Master thatchers in Dorset since 1977.

Tony Cottrell and his son Mark. Traditional wheat straw thatching, ridging and repairs, using local materials and methods passed down through the generations.

Call 01202 880214 When is my ridge due?

Apprenticed on the Kingston Lacy Estate, 1972
Members of the Dorset Master Thatchers Association
Most of our work comes by recommendation

Ridge check

When is your ridge due?

The ridge seals the top of your roof. Re-ridging at the right time can prolong the life of the whole roof and save you from needing an early re-thatch. Tell us about yours.

Your thatch

Your ridge

Last re-ridged in

2017

Call 01202 880214 Ask about my ridge

A guide, based on our experience: a block ridge needs replacing every 10–12 years, a flush ridge every 8–10. Pitch and weather make a difference, so every roof is different.

Our story

Father and son, two apprenticeships, one craft

Tony Cottrell began his apprenticeship in 1972 on the Kingston Lacy Estate in Wimborne, and went to thatching college to gain his qualifications. In 1977 he set up on his own, and it has grown into a family business.

His son Mark joined in 2001, aged 19, and served a five-year apprenticeship, with thatching college too.

"Although he says he remembers doing many hours of free labour throughout his school holidays."

We're one of the oldest established firms in Dorset, and most of our work comes through recommendation and repeat business. We've worked all over the county, on historic cottages and new builds alike.

Dorset Master Thatchers AssociationGuild of Master CraftsmenThe Dorset Coppice Group

1972Tony starts his apprenticeship on the Kingston Lacy Estate

1977A.G. Cottrell Master Thatcher is founded

2001Mark joins, aged 19, and begins his five-year apprenticeship

TodayA.G. Cottrell & Son, still a family business

What we do

Thatching, ridging and repairs

Re-thatching

Over existing coats, in wheat straw or water reed. We often strip one or two old coats first, to keep the weight down and give an even base for the new top coat.

Ridging

Block ridges and traditional flush ridges. A worn ridge lets water in, so re-ridging on time protects the whole roof.

Roof repairs

Spotted thatch hanging down or a cracked rafter in the loft? Don't panic. Most timber can be renewed from inside, or repaired in sections.

Patching

A leak in one area doesn't always mean a full re-thatch. Where it's right to, we patch the damaged section to make it watertight.

Wheat straw or water reed?

Why we champion Dorset wheat straw

We thatch in water reed where it's appropriate, but for most Dorset homes we strongly recommend wheat straw.

Wheat straw

The traditional Dorset material, used here for centuries.
Recommended by local councils for listed buildings, where appropriate.
Grown by local farmers, so it supports local farming.
Lighter, so it puts less weight on Dorset's coppiced pole rafters.

Water reed

About 95% is imported, from as far away as Turkey and even China.
Heavier on the roof structure.
Only really outlasts wheat straw on a steep roof with no features, like windows or valleys.
Traditionally used in Dorset only near reed beds, such as by Radipole Lake in Weymouth.

Doesn't Norfolk reed last longer?

Thatched roofs in Norfolk do last longer than those in Dorset, but not because of the reed. Norfolk roofs are steeper, so rain runs off quicker, and the climate is drier.

Doesn't water reed last longer than wheat straw in Dorset?

In our opinion, only on a steep roof with no features. Many Dorset cottages have windows and valleys, so there's no real difference in life between the two.

What really decides how long a thatched roof lasts?

Ultimately, the quality of the thatcher's craftsmanship.

Get in touch

Tell us about your roof

Call or email, or send a few details and a photo of your roof, and we'll get back to you.

Office
Wimborne01202 880214 Mobile
Out on a roof?07787 422290 Email
enquiries@dorsetthatcher.co.ukWrite

A.G. Cottrell & Son, 418 Merrifield, Colehill, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7AJ

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