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Norfolk reed cutting at Cley Norfolk. Reed cutting is a seasonal job. Reed cutting starts after there has been some frosts. The frosts make the leaf fall off the stem of the reed. January and February are the normal time to cut reeds.Reed cutting stops before the new shoots(colts) start to grow. |
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The weather which can be harsh on the marshes, affects the amount of reed harvested.
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The reeds are cleaned and bundled .A simple rake is used to clean the leaf and short reeds from the bundle. |
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Swallowtail butterfly
Darren Bishop cleaning bundles of reed
The reeds are cleaned and butted on the reed bed, ready for use by the thatcher.
The reeds now have to be carried to a hard standing, where they can be collected by thatchers.
Brian & Tom Mizon collecting Norfolk reeds
