The number of traditional crafts at risk of disappearing in the UK has increased from 62 to 72 over the past two years, according to The Guardian, citing Heritage Crafts — a non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.
The updated list now includes, among others, the craft of thatching roofs with straw featuring the distinctive rounded edges typical of Wales, as well as the carving of wooden figureheads for ships — a trade now practiced by only a few remaining artisans, none of whom currently have apprentices. Traditional jewelry-making has also been identified as at risk.
The total number of crafts considered endangered has grown to nearly 100. However, none have been officially declared extinct over the past two years, and some are even experiencing a revival — including traditional basket weaving, saddle-making, and the crafting of wooden bowls carved from a single block of wood using a lathe.
Similar concerns about the preservation of cultural traditions have been raised in other parts of Europe. In France, cheesemakers have expressed alarm over EU waste processing proposals, saying they could threaten the production of traditional Camembert. In Spain, climate change has put premium varieties of jamón at risk.
