Willow is a bathroom fitter-turned thatcher based in Hampshire with a passion for this historic British craft. Her QEST funding will allow her to continue to learn from master thatcher Phil Campbell who Willow has been working with for the majority of 2023.
Phil has trained many apprentices throughout his successful 35-year career as owner of South Downs Thatching. A QEST Apprenticeship will allow Willow to soak in as much knowledge from Phil as possible before he retires, with a plan for her to take over his business in the future.
Over three years, she will learn how to thatch with water reed, combed wheat and long straw. She’ll also learn to source and grade materials, work at heights and quoting for upcoming jobs. Willow has aspirations to grow Phil’s company by training other apprentices after she can confidently thatch at a high level.
