Exploring the history of the Kew Road Ha-ha, one brick at a time

The Kew Society recently hosted an engaging talk given by Jess Vining, Heritage Projects Officer from Habitats & Heritage at the National Archives. The talk explored one of Kew’s often-overlooked historic features, the Kew Road Ha-ha. Far from being just an amusing name, ha-ha walls are clever landscape designs first popularised in 17th-century France. Their hidden ditches acted as barriers to grazing animals while preserving uninterrupted views of grand estates and gardens.

Image shows a view of a long ditch running along side a road. The ditch is separated from the road by a white metal fence and pavement. There is a brick wall on the right hand side of the ditch. Part of the wall is falling down. There are four people at the far end of the ditch.

Work in progress at the Kew Road Ha-ha

Kew’s Ha-ha is a fascinating example, with links to the Royal Botanic Gardens and the landscaping traditions that shaped so much of Britain’s green heritage. Once common on estates across the country, these features have quietly faded into the background of modern life, making Kew’s surviving ha-ha an important reminder of the area’s evolving relationship with its environment.

Jess outlined Habitats & Heritage’s ongoing efforts to clear the overgrown site, revealing layers of local history and uncovering its past use, which may have included centuries of dumping. Alongside this, archaeological surveys are helping to piece together the Ha-Ha’s original design and context.

Image shows a section of tall brick wall. It appears very old. We can see multiple layers of brick and there is a gap between the outer and inner layers. Almost half of the inside layer is exposed. There are trees and shrubs along the top of the wall, with the stump of one cut down tree visible in the foreground

Layers of Ha-ha history exposed

Image shows 4 people in an excavated section of earth in front of an old brick wall. Two of people appear to be examining something, while a third person looks on, he is resting against a spade. A 4th person is on her hands and knees digging carefully with a trowel. There are various tools laying around the site and a mound of earth to the left.

The Kew Road Ha-ha archeological dig in progress

Looking ahead, the charity hopes to sensitively landscape the area, turning it into a welcoming habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, while also restoring the historic setting for the community to enjoy.

Over time, sections of the Ha-Ha wall have collapsed, leaving only fragments of the original structure visible today. The loss of these stone features not only affects the site’s historic character but also serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing conservation to protect what remains.

The talk ended with an open discussion, where some thoughtful questions were raised — including whether the ha-ha wall could ever be fully rebuilt. Sadly, despite enthusiasm for restoration, the cost of such specialist stonework is currently beyond available funding.

Image shows a lecture theatre viewed towards the stage. There is a large screen showing an old map of a river and surrounding land. The audience are seated in red chairs and are looking towards the screen. We can see silver edged, red steps leading down to the front of the lecture theatre. There is a woman standing on the left of the big screen at a lectern she appears to be giving a talk. The room is dark except for the light of from the screen.

Jess Vining giving her talk

If you would like to help out in the Ha-ha nature conservation project, or find out more about other opportunities to engage with nature in the borough, please contact Paul@habitatsandheritage.org.uk or sign up to their monthly newsletter at the bottom of their website homepage

Kew Society volunteers have taken part in Habitats & Heritage’s conservation efforts at the Ha-ha as reported here. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the future on this important initiative.

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Exploring the history of the Kew Road Ha-ha, one brick at a time

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