Future for Thatch Project

CITB NI are delighted to have been awarded development phase funding for their heritage project, Future for Thatch, by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.* The project aims to address multiple issues which threaten thatching and thatched buildings on the island of Ireland.

Thatching on the island has its own unique traditions, methods, materials, associations & cultural significance. Just 5 thatchers are based in Northern Ireland, 3 of whom are retired or semi-retired, and the age profile of thatchers in ROI is similar. This project comes forward at a critical stage to ensure that we harness their knowledge & skills for future generations.


If delivery phase funding is achieved, the project will train four young people (18-24) in thatching, as well as working with owners, thatchers, community groups and primary schools to increase knowledge and awareness of thatched and traditional buildings. CITB NI will be working closely with Department for Communities Historic Environment Division and National Museums Northern Ireland to deliver the project.

The development phase is focusing on ensuring that the project is planned to meet the needs of participants; and CITB NI is particularly keen to hear from thatched building owners and thatchers to discuss the project outcomes. If funding is achieved, owners will have the opportunity to receive partly funded works to their thatched roofs, whilst thatchers will have the opportunity to pass their skills on to  young people through funded opportunities.

Community groups are also invited to get in touch to discuss opportunities for getting involved. Community groups will have the opportunity to research their own local history and heritage with bespoke workshops tailored to their areas of interest.

To find out more about the project, or express your interest in getting involved, you can get in touch with CITB NI at [email protected]    

*The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.