In 2023 and 2024, CREST ran Cornish Hedging training courses at a beautiful farm nestled in the valleys of Lerryn. At the farm, the restoration of a Ha-Ha was being carefully undertaken by one of our experienced trainers, Digory Truscott. Digory saw the potential in this project as an ideal opportunity for training, as well as allowing our trainees to be part of putting an interesting historical feature back into the landscape.
A Ha-Ha is a sunken boundary, found in 18th century parks and estates, used to keep livestock out of a property’s formal gardens. Our Ha-Ha comprised of a 5ft high retaining hedge that separated the lower field, that contained sheep, from the lawn above. In this way, the Ha-Ha creates a ‘hidden’ boundary between the two levels, providing an uninterrupted view across the rolling hills from the main property.
When Digory started work on this mammoth project, both he and the owner were keen to reuse as much of the original stone from the dilapidated structure as possible. One of things that we are continually shouting about to anyone who will listen is the importance of using the most appropriate materials and building styles to preserve the diverse character of the hedges of Cornwall, and the commitment to this here is to be commended.
The hedged structure was originally constructed from the killas and spar stones that could be seen in the hedges on the rest of the property. Years of neglect however, had led to much of the original stone being lost (perhaps trampled into the ground underfoot by the sheep, or repurposed for other repairs) or degraded, as can often happen to the friable killas that is extracted at surface levels. As such Digory had to source extra stone from elsewhere, drawing on his experience of working with quarried stone to select a variety that would be most suited to complement and blend in with the existing.
Regarding the stone, Digory Said: “The hedge length was approximately 120mtrs, which consisted of 70% completely rebuilt from foundations up. The remaining 30% was a salvage job using as much of the existing stone as possible. The existing stone was very friable and was nearly at the end of its suitable life. Typical of South East Cornwall stone. We complimented the rebuild using freshly quarried ‘shellet’ from Trevillett (North Cornish coast) which is much harder and will help assure longevity. We imported just short of 100 tonnes.”
The training courses were led by Digory, supported by Daryl, Helen and Andrew. Over the 5 day Foundation Skills course, run as part of the Lantra Customised Provision programme, we had some amazing groups of interested trainees who learned the theory needed to build a strong and lasting hedge, before diving headfirst in to the practical side of things; firstly laying ‘Grounders’, before moving on to horizontally laid “Filler courses” and finishing with “Pitched Soldiers” to complete the process.
As part of the ongoing work, Digory was also able to support some CREST trainees with further work experience, helping him to continue the building process outside of the training courses. This lovely Pitched panel (below) was built by one such former trainee.
The project was not without a few extra features thrown in for good measure; two sets of granite steps, as well as an ornate granite trough. The owner was so pleased by the completed project that he commissioned a hand carved granite plaque to honour the hard work and dedication shown by Digory and the CREST trainees. For our part, it was a joy to be part of a restoration that be a permanent part of the Cornish landscape and heritage for years to come.
