Nearly Home Trees
by Rob Hemphill
Title
Nearly Home Trees
Artist
Rob Hemphill
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
For anyone who has ever been in and out of Cornwall they will recognise the visually appealing 'nearly home' trees. The beech trees stand tall on a hill just south of the A30 and tell travel-weary locals their journey is nearly over.
It's not easy trying to stop here due to the busy traffic. When I saw the birds progressing from the left side, I knew I had to try and get 'the shot' of them flying over the trees.
The small copse of trees marks the border between Cornwall and Devon and are known as Cookworthy Knapp. The clump of 140 beech trees have inspired many works of art over the years, but the story behind the landmark is a source of wonder to Devonians and the Cornish.
The cherished sight is known by many different names according to people living in and visiting the area - 'Cornwall beyond', 'grandma's trees', 'nearly home' or 'coming home trees', 'the unicorn's wood' and 'fairy wood' - are just a few of the most regularly used nicknames.
Historians believe the trees were planted at the top of the hill nearly 120 years ago - in about 1900 - however there are a number of suggestions as to why.
"I have heard it was to do with the Cardinham family and he planted the trees in the shape of his heart to show his love - think there are a few clusters about Cornwall."
"I was told by a lady whose family had lived in the area for years, that when we had a leper colony in Newport, it was used as a burial ground as the bodies had to be buried well away from the town and then the trees grew."
"It was all trees at one time and the rest where cut down for timber in one of the wars but the farmer didn't want them all cut so left a few on top of the hill, so I'm told."
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Featured in the following FAA Groups:
"100 Favorite" 12/14/2020
"New FAA Uploads" 09/09/2020
"The Space Between" 09/01/2020
"The Outdoor Photographer" 09/01/2020
"Art Forever With You" 09/01/2020
"World Landscape Lovers of Art" 06/24/2020
"Just Perfect" 06/04/2020
"Images That Excite You!" 06/02/2020
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Uploaded
June 1st, 2020
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