This Code of Good Practice for Cornish hedges and other stone-faced hedgebanks of similar construction is regulated by the Guild of Cornish Hedgers. It is derived from the expert knowledge of many experienced practitioners and sets out the procedure and standard of work expected in the proficient performance of the craft. Where a contract seeks to depart from this Code of Good Practice, the conflicting details should be agreed in writing before work starts.
The Risk Assessment advice note published by the Guild (available at ::The Occasional Papers Index:: or from the Guild's stewards) is complied with.
Before starting work, the type of stone is approved as being similar to nearby hedges and the source of it is agreed by client. Hedge is built to the sequence of rows exampled in the existing hedge at the arrowed location shown on the plan attached to the contract. Preference is given to the local traditional style of hedge.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, a new hedge is 1.3m (4ft 3in) in height from ground level to the top of the last stone course, and 1.5m (5ft) from ground level to the top of the hedge capping, with the base the same width as the height. The top width is at least half the height. If trees, excepting thorns, are to be planted on the hedge, these top and bottom widths are each increased by one metre.
The fill for new Cornish hedges is of damp granular or clay-shaley subsoil type of the locality (eg rab, growan, shillet), without peat, leaf-mould or other vegetable matter, rammed hard in 100mm (4") layers. Proper compaction is essential.
Where, within the site or project, an existing hedge has to be demolished for other reasons, its stones and fill are the primary material source for the new hedge.
A clear working space 1m wide is kept along the hedge.
For repairs, existing material is used, with extra stones and fill if needed. The existing pattern of rows is followed. Gaps are cleared down to existing sound hedge structure without disturbing stones or causing an avalanche. Rabbit tunnels are located and filled.