About Me -
Ryan Satchwell - Master Thatcher
I began my thatching career at 16 years old, learning the craft in its truest form under respected local master thatcher Dave Symonds. From the very beginning, the focus was on doing things properly — understanding the materials, respecting the buildings, and honouring the traditions behind every roof.
In those early years, we followed the full traditional process. We grew our own wheat straw, cut it using old binding machines, dried it in the fields, hauled it into barns, and threshed it ready for the roof. That grounding gave me a deep understanding of the material — how it behaves, how it lasts, and how to use it well — long before it is ever laid.
I spent four years labouring before progressing to thatching, learning every stage of the craft, including traditional skills such as splitting hazel and making spars and liggers. These time-served methods remain central to my work today.
Over 17 years working alongside Dave, I thatched a wide variety of buildings, from private homes and new builds to sensitive listed properties. I’ve since been trusted to work on several National Trust sites, including The Old Forge at Branscombe, Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, Agatha Christie’s Boathouse, and the Althorp Estate — places where care, accuracy, and respect for history truly matter.
Today, I work across a wide area of the South West across the UK including projects in Leicestershire, bringing over 30 years of combined experience to every project. I integrate traditional techniques with carefully chosen modern tools, always using high-quality materials known to last, to create roofs that are both authentic and built for the future.
I take great pride in my work, and there’s nothing better than seeing a finished roof sitting naturally on a building, ready to protect it for decades to come.
If you’re considering thatching work — whether on a historic property or a much-loved home — I’m always happy to have an initial conversation, offer honest advice, and discuss the best approach for your building.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Traditional Thatching
We offer a full range of Thatching Services
Full re-roofs
Maintenance
Moss removal
Wire netting/bird damage prevention
Timberwork , rafters wallplates facias , to felt and re batten , treat timbers
Fire felt and fire boarding
All types of ridging
Thatch surveys, assessments and advice
We use traditional methods and tools but sometimes combining some more modern tools when required.
Roof repairs
Patches
Birdholes bird damage
Sheeting roofs until further notice or until availabilityEmergency callouts storm damage
Emergency callouts storm damage
Materials
Water Reed
Whilst some water read is grown in the U.K, notably in such as Norfolk, high quality water reed is also imported from countries such as Turkey, China, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Lithuania, Austria, Poland and Romania.
Wheat Straw
Wheat straw grown locally around the U.K in Devon, Somerset and Lancashire
Handsplit Hazel
Handsplit hazel to make spars and liggers to secure the ridge and straw in place
The Art of Thatching
As a Master Thatcher my work blends centuries-old craftsmanship with an in depth knowledge of today’s building standards to deliver roofs of lasting beauty and integrity.
Skilled in traditional materials like water reed and wheat straw, we understand regional styles, historical accuracy, and environmental considerations. With an expert eye for detail, they shape, stitch, and secure each bundle by hand—ensuring weatherproofing and structural harmony.
From listed cottages to bespoke new builds, a skilled master thatcher offers more than a roof—we offer heritage preserved with precision. Our work is both art and architecture, combining practical protection with timeless character.
At R J S Thatching we are proud to continue the time honoured craft of thatching, using traditional methods and materials to produce beautiful and lasting roofs. We are based in Bridport West Dorset but have worked on projects throughout the UK, from listed buildings to new builds.
Please feel free to contact us to arrange a site visit and a no obligation quote. Whether you require a full strip and rethatch, a ridge replacement or repair no matter how big or small the job we can advise on the best course of action to meet your needs.
