6 minute read
Kerdroya - The Landscape Labyrinth
from February/March 2021
by myCornwall
THE LANDSCAPE LABYRINTH HONOURING THE HUMBLE HEDGE
It feels completely fitting that Kerdroya resides on Bodmin Moor, a place that has long captured the imagination and inspiration of archaeologists, artists, scientists, folk lore enthusiasts and walkers alike. Where shadows and spirits of ancient eras still linger in their forgotten forms; a perfect spot to celebrate the unsung beauty of Cornwall’s most overlooked relic of all. One that still weaves across the county today – the Cornish hedge.
Advertisement
@ Hana Backland
One might wonder how much can be said about a hedge, but in Cornwall, a rich and important heritage rests within these man-made margins. With some having been dated back to around 4,000 years old, these weather worn, coastal corroded and bush battered borders consist of hefty stone, earth and quite often a flourish of wild flower. Today, they are regarded as rich ecosystems for plant and animal life and there are plenty of Cornish folk out there dedicated to protecting, preserving and praising the power of these humble hedges.
Now, there is Kerdroya, a living, breathing artistic construction that takes inspiration from the Cornish hedge, designed to last for thousands of years. The labyrinth structure, set to be the largest of its kind in the world, is based on the mysterious symbols found at Rocky Valley. Devised by the same team that created the famous Man Engine, Golden Tree, Kerdroya’s creation began in 2020, in a disused car park by Colliford Lake.
Just north of Tintagel, a segment of Cornwall is known for its historic and mythical sites. The Rocky Valley Labyrinths can be found carved onto the surface of an exposed rock face of dark shale. It’s no surprise that these peculiar lines have been the subject of debate and mystery for centuries. Little certainty surrounds the origins of the carvings, some believe them to date as far back as the Early Bronze Age, whilst others believe they date more towards the Celtic Age, also known as the Iron Age. There are even rumours that they’re not that old at all; however the design of the carvings does correlate to the style of mazes that were popular during the medieval period. Discovered in 1948 by SJ Madge, the Rocky Valley Labyrinths were brought to archaeologists’ attention in 1954, and from then on one thing has been certain – that from stories of local witches to signs of the tree of life, mythology from all eras surrounds these symbols.
Taking inspiration from the elusive carvings, Kerdroya looks to emulate the spiritual connections that lie between Cornwall’s ancient, natural and man-made structures. Built with traditional Cornish hedging with a 56m metre diameter, the Cornish Landscape Labyrinth will feature artisan stonework that celebrates the distinct styles of hedging and will commemorate the 12 sections of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which saluted its 60th anniversary in 2020. Amidst the build and ongoing difficulties caused by Covid-19, this year will see the real hedging work begin, which will require people of all ages and abilities to come together to bring Kerdroya truly to life.
Pioneering the project is Will Coleman, Director of Golden Tree, who has been a driving force behind Kerdroya’s creation process, “This isn’t a quick project,” Will explains, “and it will be well into 2021 before hedging proper begins. But, when you are building something to last 4,000 years, everything is better off done ‘dreckly’.”
At the heart of the labyrinth is a 10-metre circular space that opens out to breathtaking views across the moorland and lake. Here, a newly commissioned art installation funded by an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant will feature, created by local father and son duo the Thrussells, who won the commission to create an artwork that deepens the response to the Cornish landscape.
Less about being a tourist attraction and more about being a homage to what it means to live in Cornwall, the site is a tribute to heritage of all aspects and how this can be brought into today’s modern world. In creating its spectacular Cornish hedge, the site will be welcoming the Outdoor University of Cornish Hedging as an extensive training programme supported by the Guild of Cornish Hedgers, funded by Cornwall Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It’s designed to pass on the ancient craft of hedging to the next generation and to continue to educate people on the importance Cornish hedges offer for local wildlife. Overall, at least 62 apprentice Cornish hedgers will be part of the skilled team contrasting the labyrinth. “We’re asking one and all to join us to create Kerdroya,” says Will, “a living testament to culture, habitat and skill. Not only can you be part of the largest classical labyrinth in the world, but you will also be part of a project that will support tens of thousands of species of insects and pollinators, plus 600 types of flowering plants.”
Currently, Cornish hedges are not protected under hedgerow regulations, and with the alarming decrease in pollinators over recent years, the need for micro-ecological hotspots such as Cornish hedges is now more valued than ever before. More than just a bank of a field, these geological structures are havens for insect and wildlife populations. However, out of the 48,000km of Cornish hedge in existence, they are currently being lost at a rate of 100km per year. As beautiful as it is meaningful, Kerdroya is a permanent monument which offers the opportunity to champion the true beauty of Cornwall and to remind both residents and visitors the necessity to keep local wildlife and natural areas safe for the future.
Emma Browning, Partnership Manager of Cornwall AONB, sees Kerdroya as a cultural achievement to last for generations, as she explains here, “We are thrilled with the Hedge Pledge initiative created by Golden Tree, giving everyone an incredible opportunity to get involved in an iconic piece of heritage. The Cornish Hedge is an important cultural feature and wildlife habitat throughout Cornwall and within the Cornwall AONB. We are delighted to see Kerdroya transform from concept, to hedge restoration, to Labyrinth, celebrating the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Diamond Jubilee.”
Whilst we may have to wait a little bit longer before we can see and experience the magic of Kerdroya in the flesh, this latest piece of heritage to join Cornwall’s rich tapestry certainly isn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon. l To discover more you can visit www.goldentree.org.uk/projects/kerdroya as well as www.kerdroya.co.uk
