The yew is the epitome of frugality and patience! It can take a whole century to grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet! But it is stubborn and perseveres despite multitudes of knockbacks. This is because the tree starts by concentrating all its energy on building a formidable root system, whilst others try shoot up skyward to find the light. The yew survives well beneath the canopy of the beech which sometimes only allows 3% residual light to penetrate. The yew has learnt to stash nutrients in its roots in preparation for a ‘rainy day’. This often leads to the formation of multiple trunks which divide and merge as the tree ages. They can live to at least 1000 years and during that time can enjoy basking in the sunshine when one of the giants towering overhead breathes its last and topples.
The yews at Kingley Vale are thought to be about 2000 years old. There the tree trunks wind and merge together, the core disintegrates but life continues….
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