31 August 2022

Kerdroya has been steadily emerging by Colliford Lake on Bodmin Moor. Now, thanks to grant funding from the Heritage Fund, the next chapter of work can begin. 

The Golden Tree project was launched to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 2019, and will be the largest classical labyrinth in the world.

With the final phase of construction due to start on site in Spring 2023, Kerdroya will become ‘the living lexicon of Cornish hedging’ –  a destination with a planned opening date in Autumn 2023 that will showcase distinctive regional hedging styles, from all twelve of Cornwall’s AONB locations, made possible by this latest funding award.  

Golden Tree's Artistic Director Will Coleman said: “Yth eson ni orth agan entra an hys tre! Ni re beu ow travalya, yn kosel, rag polsyow, saw pan y dhrehevyir neppyth dhe besya peswar mil bledhen, puptra via gwell gwrys’yn trekli’!” 

“We are entering the home straight! We have been loustering away quietly for a little while, but when you are building something to last 4,000 years everything is better off done ‘drekly’.”  

Conveniently located close to the A30; this free and accessible site will bring the important culture, heritage and biodiversity of Cornish hedges to visitors from Cornwall and beyond.  Once complete, the visitor will walk a single, meandering path through the stretches of artisan stonework, discovering characteristic hedging styles from across Kernow.  

An audio trail will be created in partnership with school pupils and Cornish charities to ensure that the site and the story of Cornish hedging can be enjoyed by those who face access barriers. Donations of stone, from far-flung corners of Cornwall, will be brought together to celebrate the thousands of miles of unique hedges that define our landscape, and mark our ancient field boundaries.  As part of the project, Golden Tree will be working with a local filmmaker to record memories, folklore and language associated with Cornish hedging so that it is preserved for future generations.  

The project will highlight how Cornish hedges, critical but unprotected heritage assets, are at risk due to development pressures and a dwindling group of skilled craftspeople who can build and repair them. 

Following on from more than 150 days of training delivered so far, this next chapter of the project will see young apprentices complete qualifications in Cornish Hedging. Kerdroya will also welcome volunteers from charitable organisations across Cornwall and students from Truro & Penwith college, to learn hedging skills. 

Find out more on Golden Tree's website. 

About us

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. Our reservoirs and lakes are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water. It’s your outdoors – come and explore.