Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Thatching & Carpentry Services in Wales
Established in 1982, Pembrokeshire Thatch & Carpentry Services has dedicated over four decades to preserving traditional thatching techniques while embracing sustainable practices. Our expertise spans historical reconstruction, museum collaborations, and educational workshops, ensuring the continuation of Wales' rich thatching heritage. We specialise in using locally sourced materials like water reed and wheat straw, prioritising ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. Our team combines deep technical knowledge with hands-on experience in both ancient and modern thatching methods, offering tailored solutions for listed buildings and new constructions.We actively contribute to wetland management and carbon footprint reduction through responsible harvesting practices. Our commitment to training apprentices, including the first Welsh apprentice at Knuston Hall, ensures the survival of this vital craft. Fully insured and equipped with Disclosure & Barring Service Certificates, we provide expert consultations, emergency repairs, and bespoke design assistance across the UK. Our work bridges historical accuracy with contemporary sustainability, creating functional, heritage-aligned structures that support rural economies and ecological balance.
Services
Thatching
Carpentry
Historical Reconstruction
Workshops
Wetland Management
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of expertise in traditional Welsh thatching techniques
- Pioneers in sustainable thatching using locally sourced materials
- First Welsh apprentice trained at Knuston Hall, the UK's only thatching college
- Fully insured with DBS-certified professionals for safety and trust
- Active contributors to wetland management and carbon footprint reduction
Services
Thatching
Specialist thatching using traditional materials like water reed and wheat straw. We restore historic roofs and install new thatched structures with precision. Our methods combine ancient techniques with modern sustainability practices, ensuring durability and authenticity for properties across the UK.
Historical Reconstruction
Accurate reconstruction of historical buildings using period-appropriate techniques. We collaborate with museums and heritage organisations on projects like Iron Age villages. Our work preserves architectural history while educating the public about traditional construction methods and their cultural significance.
Workshops
Hands-on thatching workshops for universities, schools, and conservation groups. We demonstrate harvesting, threshing, and thatching processes using a ground-level training jig. Sessions include wheat milling and bread-making to illustrate the agricultural connection, fostering appreciation for sustainable building practices.
Carpentry
Precision carpentry for thatched roof structures, including window frames and roof geometry. We address complex specifications where traditional expertise is lacking, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic harmony. Our work supports both new builds and heritage restoration projects.
Wetland Management
Sustainable water reed harvesting for thatching and biomass fuel. We balance ecological conservation with material sourcing, reducing environmental impact. This practice supports biodiversity while maintaining traditional thatching techniques and lowering carbon footprints.
People
Alan Jones
Founder & Master Thatcher
Alan founded the company in 1982 after working on an Iron Age village reconstruction. He transitioned from carpentry to thatching, receiving professional training in 1995. His expertise spans historical techniques, sustainable materials, and heritage education, making him a respected authority in Welsh thatching.
Dafydd Driver
Apprentice Thatcher
Dafydd is Wales' first apprentice trained at Knuston Hall. He contributes to traditional thatching projects and educational workshops. His training ensures the continuation of Welsh thatching heritage, combining historical knowledge with modern sustainability practices for future generations.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout the UK, specialising in Wales but undertaking projects nationwide.
Do you offer emergency repair services?
Yes, we provide emergency thatching repairs with competitive insurance-backed guarantees.
Can you work on listed buildings?
Yes, we specialise in historically accurate thatching and carpentry for protected structures.
Do you provide training opportunities?
We offer hands-on workshops and apprenticeships to preserve traditional thatching skills.
What materials do you use?
We use locally sourced water reed, wheat straw, and heather, prioritising sustainability.
