The first erratics were rocks that had been moved by a glacier and deposited a long way away from their place of origin, millions of years ago. They are usually made of a rock type that would not be found in that area. But they become part of the new landscape and, in some ways, transform it.
If you were to look at the bottom of the sea, perhaps near a harbour, you may find that there are parts of the sea bed that have been transformed by rocks that were brought as ballast from far away places and discarded overboard. They too become part of a new geology. Cliffs and beaches are eroded and fall into the sea, becoming part of currents, always on the move.
And what if you were to extend the concept to movements of people? What of the people who leave their original homes to make a life somewhere else? We are exploring the idea of Cornwall Erratics, the people who either left Cornwall to make their lives elsewhere, or arrived in Cornwall and became integral to the place. Wildworks is seeking to reach out to both the communities of the Cornish diaspora and the “Strangers” who arrive in Cornwall and make it their home. We intend to create Cornwall Erratics, an online Human Archive of the memories, experiences and hopes of the people who, like the erratic rocks that were moved by glaciers, became part of the new landscape and, in some ways, transformed it.
Wildworks will be exploring this theme under the umbrella of Hello Stranger, a comprehensive community engagement program that spans towns, schools, and diverse communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, celebrating Cornwall’s long traditions of welcoming strangers. We intend to continue this exploration through future work and we need YOU. Are you a Cornwall Erratic, either arrived in Cornwall or departed elsewhere? What are your memories of your place of origin? And how do you feel about the place that has become home? Are you rooted in the place?
If you would like to be part of our human archive of Cornwall Erratics, please send us a photograph of yourself in a place that holds emotional significance for you, and tell us your stories, anecdotes and memories of both your place of origin and where you are now. Your contributions will feed the process of Hello Stranger and will continue to inspire us in future work.
EMAIL: Erratics@wildworks.org.uk
Photos: Steve Tanner
