The last of the old stock of water reed has now been used up on the lowest eave level of the Iron Age roundhouse. Soon we will be able to cut more hazel to finish the roof framework and make more twisted, quarter split, hazel staples or ‘spars’ to help secure the lateral bars that hold down the reed. The interim measure of using willow bark has so far proved to be a successful experiment, but it is uncertain if it will last over the longer term. The reed is patted into line using a wooden bat called a legget. The curved porch was an interesting challenge for us thatching novices. We used a deeper thatch on the side of the prevailing (SW) wind. The doorway faces SE.