Lexden Gathering Ground

It is not known why these yews should be growing here. The various possibilities include marker trees at springs, trees planted alongside an important road in the past or possibly remnant of an old woodland. Root structures have been exposed as the elements have washed away soil. The trees grow at the top of a bank along an ancient road/path running through a woodland between Colchester and a neighbouring village. The woodland has a long history, and is the site of a spring which has been used a great many years, and is known as the Gathering Grounds. The site is owned by Anglian Water and managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. It is possible that this tree grows just outside of their boundary. There are very few yew in this woodland.
This is a ring set atop a bank, approx. 5m in diameter, of 5 stems from approx. 200-400mm diameter. There’s a slight depression in the ground at the centre, and all the trees (including one that is dead) lean outwards.