The Ancient Art of Cornish Hedging
Cornish hedging is one of the oldest and most recognisable features of Cornwall’s landscape. These living stone walls weave across fields, lanes and coastlines — built by hand using skills passed down for centuries. More than just boundaries, Cornish hedges are living ecosystems that protect wildlife and preserve Cornwall’s rural character.
What Is a Cornish Hedge?
A Cornish hedge is a traditional type of stone wall built with a compacted earth core and faced with carefully placed local stone. Unlike a dry stone wall, the centre of a Cornish hedge is filled with soil, which allows grass and wildflowers to grow along the top — creating a living, breathing structure that blends perfectly into the landscape.
Cornish hedges are used as field boundaries, garden enclosures, and road edges, combining strength, beauty, and ecological value in one. Many existing hedges in Cornwall are hundreds or even thousands of years old — some dating back to the Iron Age.
What Does a Cornish Hedge Look Like?
Each hedge reflects its local geology and environment. Typical features include:
Stone faces made from local slate, granite, or sandstone.
A sloped, grassy top planted with wildflowers or shrubs.
A gentle curve or batter (leaning slightly inwards) for stability.
Small gaps and nooks that provide homes for insects, birds, and reptiles.
No two Cornish hedges are exactly alike — their appearance depends on local stone types, builder technique, and the age of the hedge itself. In coastal areas, they often develop a rich covering of lichens and moss, adding to their timeless charm.
Are Cornish Hedges Protected?
Yes — Cornish hedges are recognised as an important part of Cornwall’s natural and cultural heritage. Many are protected under environmental and agricultural schemes that promote hedge maintenance and biodiversity.
When repairing or rebuilding a Cornish hedge, traditional methods and local materials should always be used. Modern concrete or cement can damage the structure and harm its ecosystem.
Skilled stonemasons who understand the correct building style — including the angle, width, and planting method — ensure the hedge remains strong and environmentally sustainable.
How to Plant a Cornish Hedge
A Cornish hedge is often planted along the top once it’s built. Typical plants include hawthorn, blackthorn, gorse, and wildflowers — chosen for their resilience and support for wildlife.
Planting steps:
1. Add a shallow layer of fertile soil along the hedge top.
2. Plant native species at regular intervals.
3. Water well and protect young shoots from grazing animals.
4. Avoid dense planting — hedges need air circulation to thrive.
Over time, the plants grow together, forming a living green crown that helps bind the structure and create valuable habitat for birds and pollinators.
How to Maintain a Cornish Hedge
Maintenance is minimal but essential for longevity.
Rebuild loose sections promptly to prevent collapse.
Trim vegetation once or twice a year to keep the hedge healthy.
Avoid heavy machinery near the base to prevent soil compaction.
Repoint with soil and stone, not cement, to maintain breathability.
A well-kept Cornish hedge can last for centuries — each generation adding to its life story through gentle care and repair.
Cornish Hedging service in Cornwall
At Woodland Stonework, we take pride in continuing this ancient Cornish craft — building and restoring Cornish hedges that look natural, last for decades, and support local wildlife. Whether you need a new hedge built from scratch, or repairs to an existing one, every project is carried out with respect for traditional methods and local materials.
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