Water Reed

Water reed was mainly used in areas where it was indigenous. For example the New Forest and Norfolk, hence the name Norfolk reed, now a days commonly known as Water reed.

Water reed has been extensively used in the New Forest since the iron age, or possibly even earlier. Water reed is indigenous to the New Forest, and is still harvested in areas such as Lymington, Keyhaven and various other marshland areas around the New Forest. Note the wooded Hazel spars holding the water reed to the old roof.

Water reed here is anchored to new timbers on a refurbishment. Water reed is recommended these days if the property, timbers or roof are new. It is offered because water reed has a longer life span than other thatch materials, it can last up to 80 years but still averages a life of 50 years.

Water reed does not require netting because the birds do not attack it as they do with straw roofs.