To ensure that the regional character of thatching is maintained, use an experienced thatcher; one who chooses to work in the local tradition, who knows the local conditions and the long straw or water reed growers. 

Employ a member of the Association, with the knowledge that membership is restricted to thatchers who submit their work to the rigorous scrutiny of a standards committee and that their membership only remains valid for so long as they maintain such standards. Only full members are entitled to refer to their membership in business transactions.

Most full members hold certificates issued by COSIRA for their work in Long Straw, Water Reed and Combed Wheat Reed. These certificates are neither lightly nor quickly awarded and depend on close scrutiny of their work at every stage.

Membership of the EAMTA is restricted to Full members of the local county Associations. For a list of your local members, please click on the relevant county, on the map below. For a list of all EAMTA members, please click on the button at the bottom of the page.