Helston Beating the Bounds tradition at Butterfly Woods

The ancient tradition which takes place annually visited Butterfly Woods just outside of Helston for the first time in several years following the stones' recent discovery.

It is not known when the last time this particular stone was ‘beaten’ but it is likely to have been several years ago.  

Martine Knight, who has spearheaded the restoration of Butterfly Woods, was thrilled to welcome the Beating of the Bounds procession to the stone that had been lost for so long.

“No one knows how long it has been since this stone was beaten, but it would have certainly been generations ago.”

The long lost stone has recently been rediscovered (Image: Butterfly Woods)

First up to have their head banged three times on the stone was a pupil from St Michael’s C of E Primary School in Helston followed by Martine and her husband Chris.

"We were really thrilled to facilitate the revival of a lost piece of local history by giving the walkers access through our land.

“A great little piece of local history restored and it a privilege to be able to facilitate it,” said Martine.  

You can read more about this year’s Beating of the Bounds tradition here: Beat it! Helston's annual and quirky tradition embraced by all for another year

Butterfly Woods was established in 2022 by Martine and her husband Chris who wanted to offer something to the cause of local mental health and well-being after the death of David Hawke-Treneer, Martine’s son.

They acquired the land in 2019 which at the time was full of fly-tipped-ripped rubbish and invasive plants and wanted to turn it into a place of tranquillity and healing, which is now offered to local schools and mental health wellbeing groups, all free of charge.

The land is named ‘Koos Tykki-Duw ha Hevlyn David which means Butterfly Wood and David’s Creek in Cornish.

To find out more visit Butterfly Woods on Facebook.