Ancient Cornish Hedgerows: Why They Matter More Than Ever

Some of Cornwall’s oldest hedgerows have stood for hundreds, and in many cases thousands, of years. They are older than many of the villages they surround. Built by hand from local stone and topped with living plants, they have quietly shaped the Cornish landscape for generations. Yet many people pass them every day without realising their history or understanding how important they are.

As a newly formed group of artists, we believe these remarkable structures deserve far greater recognition. Through our creative practice, exhibitions and collaborations with others who care about Cornwall’s natural and cultural heritage, we hope to encourage more people to stop, look closely and appreciate the stories these hedgerows continue to tell.

Why do we need to raise awareness?

Many people admire the beauty of the Cornish countryside without realising that its appearance depends on these ancient boundaries.

Once people understand what they are looking at, their relationship with the landscape often changes. A hedgerow becomes more than a line of green. It becomes a home for wildlife, a record of history and a remarkable example of traditional building techniques that still survive today.

Raising awareness matters because people are more likely to value what they understand.

As artists, we believe creative work can encourage people to see familiar places differently. A painting may reveal the colours hidden within a weathered stone hedge. Textile artists might explore the textures of moss, bark and woven branches. Ceramicists can respond to the layers of earth and stone that give Cornish hedgerows their unique structure. Through contemporary art, conversations begin that might never happen through facts and statistics alone.

Art creates space for curiosity, discussion and connection. It invites people of all ages to notice details they may otherwise overlook.

How are Cornish hedgerows being lost?

Although many ancient hedgerows have survived for centuries, they face increasing pressure.

Some disappear through development or changes in land management. Others slowly decline because traditional repair skills are becoming less common. Severe weather, invasive species and changing farming practices can all affect their long-term health.

Loss does not always happen dramatically. Sometimes it is gradual.

A neglected hedge may become weakened over many years. Gaps appear. Wildlife moves elsewhere. Stonework begins to collapse. Once these traditional structures are lost, rebuilding them is both costly and time-consuming.

Protecting them means recognising their value before damage becomes irreversible.

How can they be saved?

The encouraging news is that ancient Cornish hedgerows can be protected when communities, landowners, conservation groups and local organisations work together.

Traditional hedge building skills continue to be taught across Cornwall, helping new generations learn techniques that have been passed down over centuries.

Everyone has a role to play:

• Support organisations working to conserve Cornwall’s landscape.
• Respect hedgerows when walking or enjoying the countryside.
• Encourage schools and community groups to explore local heritage.
• Attend talks, workshops and guided walks.
• Share photographs, artwork and stories that celebrate these remarkable places.
• Support farmers and landowners who actively care for historic hedgerows.

Every small action helps build wider appreciation.

A creative response: our journey begins

Our group has come together because we believe creativity can help strengthen the connection between people and place.

Our members include painters, printmakers, ceramicists and textile artists, each bringing different ways of exploring Cornwall’s landscape. Rather than simply representing hedgerows as attractive scenery, we want to reveal their hidden histories, ecological importance and quiet resilience.

One of our first collaborative projects focuses on spending time alongside ancient hedgerows through sketching, photography, field notes and conversations with local experts. These observations are gradually becoming new artworks that will be shared through exhibitions, community events and online projects.

The aim is simple. If someone leaves an exhibition looking more carefully at the next Cornish hedgerow they pass, then the artwork has already made a difference.

What can you do to find out more?

Learning about Cornish hedgerows is surprisingly rewarding, and it often starts with simply slowing down.

Next time you walk through the countryside, take a closer look.

Notice the different stones, the wildflowers growing from the banks, the insects moving between leaves and the changing colours through the seasons. Every hedgerow has its own character.

You can also:

• Visit local exhibitions celebrating Cornwall’s landscape.
• Join guided walks with local history or wildlife groups.
• Read about traditional Cornish hedge building.
• Talk to farmers, hedge builders and conservation volunteers.
• Follow artists whose work explores landscape, ecology and heritage.
• Share what you discover with friends and family.

The more people understand these remarkable structures, the stronger their future becomes.

Ancient Cornish hedgerows have survived for centuries because generations before us valued and cared for them. We now have the opportunity to continue that story. Through art, conversation and shared experience, we can help ensure these living landmarks remain part of Cornwall for generations still to come.

If you share our passion for Cornwall’s ancient hedgerows, we would love to hear from you. Whether you are an artist, maker, conservation volunteer, historian, landowner or simply someone who enjoys walking through the Cornish countryside, please get in touch by email to learn more about our projects and opportunities to get involved. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on exhibitions, creative collaborations, events and ways to support the growing appreciation of these remarkable living landscapes.