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Preen Manor, Shropshire

Preen Manor, Shropshire

Molash, Kent

Molash, Kent

Dunkeld Cathedral, Perth and Kinross

Dunkeld Cathedral, Perth and Kinross

Preen Manor, Shropshire

Preen Manor, Shropshire

Ancient Yew Group Logo Bettws Newydd, Monmouthshire

Bettws Newydd, Monmouthshire

Churchyard Yew Articles

The majority of ancient yews found in England and Wales grow on the consecrated ground around churches. We can be sure that those we have so far recorded owe their survival largely to the protection afforded by their location.

The problem is establishing who is directly responsible for protecting our oldest trees. It is likely that in many instances there is no protection at all, or that responsibility lies solely with the Vicar acting with their Church Warden, Parochial Church Council or District Council. Tree expertise in such decision making bodies is often lacking, as indeed are the funds necessary to carry out the best remedial work. It is not always an individual church or diocese that is responsible for grounds and tree maintenance, and some burial grounds have been taken over by the local authority. This does not necessarily mean that an old yew will receive sensitive treatment.

 

Church of England - 560 reports
Church in Wales - 270 reports
Berkshire churchyard yews - Lin Carter
Dorset churchyard survey - Peter Norton
Essex churchyard survey - Paul Butterworth
Hampshire churchyard survey - Peter Norton
North of England churchyard surveys - Graham Wilkinson
Somerset churchyard survey - younger yews - Tim Hills
Wiltshire churchyard survey - Peter Norton
Yorkshire - seven sites
Notes from an arboriculturist - Brynley Andrews
Surrey - Bourne Area
East Surrey