Cornish Hedges need better protection say Cornwall Wildlife Trust

The hedges are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Credit: ITV News West Country

Cornish hedges need better legal protection say Cornwall Wildlife Trust as an increasing number of new developments are built across the county.

They are some of the oldest man-made structures still standing and still in use across the county with some dating back to the Bronze Age.

Ann Reynolds, a senior archaeologist with Cornwall Council, told ITV West Country that some Cornish hedges in West Penwith have been scientifically dated to 3,500 years old.

The hedges stretch for around 30,000 miles across the county and are made of earth and stone. They're home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

When hedges are in need of repair Cornwall Wildlife Trust and a team of volunteers have been repairing and rebuilding sections.

As new developments are being built across the county, Cornwall Council must consider more and more planning applications on sites with Cornish hedges.

Cornwall Council are also investing £250,000 towards Kerdroya, a project which is promoting Cornish hedges with the help of The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership and Golden Tree Produtions.

Throughout this summer the project will link local master hedgers with community groups and schools to repair 12 stretches of Cornish hedge in iconic locations.