Banks

Many old Devon hedges are faced using stone but this technique can also be used to create retaining walls. Soil is packed in behind to hold the stones tightly in place. In time plants grow out of the gaps in the walls. Many old Devon hedge banks are so covered in foliage that it’s impossible to see the stones.

Where banks are not faced with stone, turf can be use to repair it. Turves are cut using a Devon shovel and soil is packed in behind as with stone facing.

Turf hedge bank repair

Cornish herringbone

Shell hedge bank end

Ancient limestone