Following the recent forum post and given the increasing demand from both private and commerical clients, (the latter as a result of the UK's ratification of the EC Landscape Convention). It is worth gathering information on the history and proper methodology of building these structures, which is relatively scant to the say the least. Certainly it is evident that both in Devon and Cornwall many of the walls which have been built recently, particularly the large scale, roadside and new housing estate structures, fail to meet the traditional and sustainable elements which make these structures so unique internationally. this is not the fault of the landscapers building the walls but a mammoth failure to understand the true heritage of these structures.

The structures are known to date back to neolithic periods. The reason was simple, using the stone, (or in many parts of Devon, where due to the geography and geology loose stones were rare and turf was used instead), which were spread across the landscape to create a boundary to enclose livestock. The walls over the years became more solid, additional smaller stone and waste material was added to create a core thus enabling higher walls. This meant that larger livestock could be farmed together with providing shelter or windbreaks for crops by minimilising the need for larger trees to be planted. And these walls were completely unique to particular areas, (up to only 30 years ago it was possible to drive around and discover not only the direct geology of an area, but also a good guess of the depth of top soil by simply looking at the hedges), differing dramatically in style in less than a kilometre. An example of this can be found easily on the North Coast of Cornwall, much smaller stones closer to the sea are freely available as such herringbone and vertical patterns were easily achieved. The very loose backfill material allowed for steeper sides also. Yet only 5 miles inland the rock changes to a different slate formation, much larger stones are then used and as such it is simpler to built the wall in the horizontal pattern. One area well worth seeing is the Mylor Bridge area, here many of the walls are constructed from the underlying quartz, which creates walls which when seen close up can sometimes reflect rainbow colours. The trees and growth on the walls was also distinctly different - as with native tree mixes in our ancient woodlands the mix of species on the walls changed dramatically.

Stiles had always been incorporated, but bee boles, milk urn shelves and underpasses started to be introduced more and more. Wildlife populations in these structures was high and the hedgerows started to act as motorways for wildlife. The list of species found in these hedges is almost as long as a list of UK fauna & flora.

There is considerable evidence that until recent history these walls were mainly built by women, and following the enclosure act, the landowners started to demand much more elaborate walls, which would illustrate their influence. As such many new walls were built in square cut granite and other intensive or imported materials - the death of the sustainable hedgerow started.

Now as you drive down the A30 there are miles and miles of uniformed 'Cornish hedge', built to a relatively new standard introduced, (even the tree mixes now recommended varies little throughout SW England). This is more attractive than fencing, one has to admit - but it takes no account of the differing areas of Devon and Cornwall, the varying heritage and most importantly is built using imported top soil, which is simply an extreme overkill and not good for the longevity of the hedge. Paradoxically the material removed for the necessary ditch operations is used elsewhere. As such the Cornish and Devonian Hedgerows are no longer the beautiful and unique feature they once were and its only the small scale stonewallers and the more insightful clients who are maintaining or constructing new walls in the traditional manner - stone from the local quarry or even from onsite - hedging mixes matching the ancient hedgrow species and styles incorporating from the outset habitats for beneficial wildlife species, but this is minimal against the destruction of these structures which has occured throughout the 20th century.

Cornish Garden Landscaping

 

Cornish Stone Walls

Stone Walling in Cornwall

Votes: 0
E-mail me when people leave their comments –

You need to be a member of Landscape Juice Network to add comments!

Join Landscape Juice Network

Open forum activity

Paul Errington replied to Adam Woods's discussion Fence post auger
"Hi Adam,
Only just seen this, so probably too late.
The quickest way would probably be to use a machine such as the Turf Teq Edger/Trencher. It's a walk-behind, powered machine that will dig shallow trench (down to 7" max) the correct width for the…"
43 minutes ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Turf Science Live Ireland, a renowned educational event in turf management, returned in September, hosted at the magnificent Killeen Castle.This prestigious golf course provided a fitting venue backdrop for turf professionals to gain valuable…
1 hour ago
Fusion Media posted a blog post
The recently held Exhibition News Indy Awards recognised GroundsFest 2023 in an extraordinary way, awarding it both the Best Independent Trade Show Launch and the prestigious Trade Show of the Year.These honours celebrate the innovation and unique…
1 hour ago
M Olsson posted a discussion
This year is drawing to a close, and as I reflect back, I'm considering the hurdles and successes I've faced. I thought it might be worth sharing my experiences, in case someone in a similar situation is considering venturing into the self-employed…
3 hours ago
Paul Errington replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"Hi Richard,
The best thing to use on a wild flower site is a Power Scythe; we have them in our rental fleet.
According to wildflower specialists, such as Wildflower Turf, you should cut and drop the flowers and grass, then remove the cuttings. If…"
4 hours ago
Paul Errington replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"The Turf Teq Brushcutter is a tough, walk-behind machine with a 26" cutting width. https://youtu.be/xORZwOvK5BA
We sometimes have a used, ex-rental machine available for sale."
4 hours ago
Peter sellers posted a discussion
Has anyone else on the forum received spam emails from SEO companies addressed to LJN saying they can improve LJN's google ranking, they are not aimed at us and am puzzled why we are receiving this junk from these scum bags.
11 hours ago
Damian Crossley is now a member of Landscape Juice Network
19 hours ago
Nick Saunders replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"I use a Billy Goat Outback I bought secondhand many years ago for cutting between Christmas tree rows and it's been invaluable. It will cut brush with no worries and is built like a brick outhouse. They are around 3k new but I think I paid £500…"
yesterday
Ben Carter replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"i don't do many conservation cuts or whatever you want to call them.  Always strim the ones I get to do.  
One observation I've made though is the lovely flowers and grasses are a treat to the eye. But the poor frogs, other reptiles and small…"
yesterday
Robbie posted a blog post
yesterday
Sam Bainbridge replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"Once or twice a year on wild flowers is more of a ride on mower job. I just use my iseki for this on top height then drop it down for a 2nd run over.
For the big rough stuff this guy is talking about I'd go for the etesia attila. It's the big boys…"
yesterday
Chris Allder commented on Chris's blog post Jacksons Fencing to Exhibit at FutureScape 2024 After Nine Year Hiatus
"East Coast Fencing would be interested in pricing for your Solar Fence Panels"
yesterday
Ian Harvey replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
""
Saturday
Richard Shelton replied to Edward baker's discussion Rough cut mower recommendations
"We are getting asked this increasingly recently also - grass areas set aside as meadow and wild flower areas (more like weeds in the main), and only to be cut once or twice a year on new estates. What machines are you guys hiring/using?
Thanks also,…"
Saturday
Graham Taylor replied to Trev Armstrong's discussion STIHL Hs45 throttle cable issue
""
Friday
More…

Spam

Has anyone else on the forum received spam emails from SEO companies addressed to LJN saying they can improve LJN's google ranking, they are not aimed at us and am puzzled why we are receiving this junk from these scum bags.

Read more…
0 Replies
Views: 7