The Fortingall Yew

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blobrana

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An ancient Perthshire yew has made the top 10 in a list of the most important trees in the UK.

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Latitude: 56.601000000 Longitude: -4.056000000
 
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Estimated to be perhaps 5,000 years old, the Fortingall Yew (Taxus baccata) stands at the geographical heart of Scotland. It is believed to be the most ancient tree in the United Kingdom, and is probably even the oldest living thing in Europe.

The tree was first described in 1769 by the Hon. Daines Barrington, who measured its circumference at 16 metres (52 feet). By July 1833 Dr Neil found that large amounts had been cut away "by the country people, with the view of forming quechs or drinking cups, and other relics, which visitors were in the habit of purchasing". The trunk then resembled a semi-circular wall, although new spray and a few young branches were growing to a height of up to 9 metres (30 feet).

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6UFC5F
 
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