Otford

This is the most significant of the dozen yews growing here. Its girth increases from 12′ at 3′ to 15′ at 5′. Its height is 30′ approximately. and canopy diameter is about 40′. The bole of the yew looks very much the worse for wear as a result of some earlier work either to save the yew or, perhaps, prevent it from being vandalised by setting on fire. Originally there were five limbs projecting from the bole at a height of 6′. Two of these (S/W aspect) have been removed. A number of canopy branches have been sawn back and foliage generally looks sparse. I understand that bats are currently in residence (though I could not see where). All hollow areas visible from the ground are filled with concrete and some areas suggest a rubble in-fill.