A massive "living maze" advertised as the largest in the world is set to welcome visitors later this month. Built using traditional Cornish stone walls, Kerdroya has taken half a decade to complete.
The maze, covering an area of 56 meters located close to Colliford Lake on Bodmin Moor, was conceived by Cornish resident Will Coleman.
Guests will follow one winding trail through various areas showcasing skilled stone work that highlights the unique hedge designs from each of the 12 Cornwall Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The design is promoted as an 'eternal heritage' to Cornish hedging, with Mr. Coleman previously stating that it will endure for 4,000 years.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused some delays, but Kerdroya is now approaching completion and is set to receive its initial guests on March 21.
Built into every yard of hedgerow is a 'marker disc' crafted by theColliford father-and-son team known as theThrussells. Each disk features an engraving dedicated to the supporter who funded it through their initiative called the 'hedge pledges,' which was launched at the beginning of this endeavor.
The maze displays 12 distinct regional styles of Cornish hedging using materials such as Bodmin Moor granite, serpentine stone from the Lizard, and stones sourced from West Penwith.
The main attraction is a depiction of the maze crafted from steel and copper, situated on a circular base of solid granite.
The labyrinth draws inspiration from an ancient pagan layout utilized by communities ranging from the Siberian Tundra to the Isles of Scilly around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. It features a depiction of Cornwall, where dual-colored pathways symbolize both the surrounding sea encircling the Duchy and the terrestrial areas.
A representative stated that the maze would serve as a 'space for self-discovery, a fleeting instance, to cherish nature and the splendor of the Cornish countryside.'
They included: "This initiative wouldn’t have come into being were it not for a group of dedicated people who contributed by constructing hedgerows, providing chances to study the trade, and passing on their expertise and life experiences."
The resilience of Cornish hedges can be seen throughout the entire Cornish countryside. Constructed using entirely natural resources and designed to foster local plants and wildlife, these structures will endure for generations, serving as a testament to the exceptional artisans of Cornwall.
Kerdroya was commissioned by Cornwall National Landscape and developed by Golden Tree Productions, supported by funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cornwall Council, and individual contributions from backers.
The individual who designed the labyrinth was also responsible for 'The Man Engine,' a 33-foot structure—three times larger than a double-decker bus—that traversed 130 miles of mining territory over a period of two weeks.
The initiative was launched to commemorate the tenth year since the inclusion of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 2016.
The half-man, half-machine invention will feature theatrical performances crafted by over a dozen 'miners' and 'bal-maidens.'
They will assist in bringing the puppet to life as a colossal miner throughout his journeys.
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