Few people today would know that over 2,000 years ago, in pre Roman times, over half of Britain was dominated by a Yew culture that left its mark on our landscape in the form of yew trees, and places directly connected with them! The Iberians, Silurians, Ivernii, Cernyw, Eburones and others, occupied large parts of Britain. These were the Yew tribes and their legacy is still with us.

There are still many places that are directly connected with the Yew, a few examples being Eburacon (meaning Yew wood – the old name for York), Iden (Yew tree pasture – Sussex) Uley (Yew wood – Gloucestershire), Ivegill (Valley of the Yew - Cumbria) Iwode ( Yew wood - Hampshire), Iford (Yew ford – Sussex) Ewhurst (yew wood on a hill – Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire) Even rivers were named after the yew such as the River Iwerne in Dorset, the River Yeo in Devon. The Archbishop of York still signs his name ‘Ebor’, meaning Yew!

Dinefwr, meaning Kingdom of Yews, now a small area where I live  in Wales, was once a vast Kingdom which stretched as far as Cornwall and the Isle of Wight! Scratch the surface, and the Yew, once so important in a world of radically different values, is still there, its legacy our heritage. The ancient yews still stand, living and growing after all this time, so very awesome, we can only wonder at them and ensure they are adequately and legally protected for the future.

This is the time to get more involved with the campaign if you would like to; there are a number of things we need help with. We would be glad if anyone involved in tree preservation and protection who may be able to contribute experience, information and suggestions to Paul Powlesland, our Barrister, that could help with new legislation please email enquiries@lawyersfornature.com

Anyone wishing to support the campaign by attending a meeting at the House of Lords in July, please email me, Janis Fry janisfry9@gmail.com

The 4,000 year old Yew pictured here is at Bettws Newydd, Monmouthshire