The process of fragmentation
Yews in churchyards are unlikely to be left to grow naturally.
The oldest specimens will rarely have the appearance of a ‘standard’ tree,
with its cylindrical trunk, tall leading central branch and many
lateral branches. It is often the removal of one of these
substantial lateral branches, perhaps where it is interfering with
access to the church or to graves, that creates a weakness in the
tree and begins the process of hollowing. This frequently leads
to the classic ‘horse shoe’ shaped hollow yew. Without
a complete circle of growth the forces on the tree inevitably cause
it to lean outwards, as shown in this example at Tillington in
Sussex. In this instance metal rods prevent the trunk from
splitting further apart and fragmenting. |
The Tillington Yew © Tim
Hills |
Single fragment examples
At Baschurch in Shropshire only a small section of the original
tree is alive. An ingenious way to support this living fragment
has been found by setting the dead section in concrete and encircling
the whole with an iron band. Although yew decays slowly this can
only be a temporary measure and a prop might eventually be needed
to support the living fragment. |
The Baschurch Yew © Tim Hills |
Three of the ancient yews growing at Molash in Kent are featured
in this article. This example once girthed over 20'. One side has
been reduced to a sawn off stump, while the surviving fragment
girths about 12'. |
Yew at Molash © Tim Hills |
The yew fragments at Staunton in Gloucestershire and Discoed in
Powys each girth above 33'. We can only wonder at their former
size and appearance, but can be sure they are among the oldest
in England and Wales. The crack down the centre of the Staunton
Yew indicates where it is likely to eventually split and become
two fragments.
|
The Staunton Yew © Tim Hills |
The Discoed Yew © Tim Hills |
The Rotherfield Yew in Sussex is reluctant to split completely into two fragments.
What we see may only be a small fraction of the original circle of growth, but
the 13 props behind it are a clear indication of the esteem in which this fragmented
tree is held. The church guide describes it as “a
miracle of nature that so much can be supported on so little”.
|
The Rotherfield Yew © Tim Hills |
