The Linton Yew, Herefordshire - Ancient Yew  Trees by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice

Nestled within the tranquil grounds of St. Mary's Church in Linton, Herefordshire, stands the remarkable Linton Yew. This ancient tree, potentially as old as 1500 years, is a testament to the enduring power of nature. With its vast girth and hollowed-out trunk, the Linton Yew commands a sense of reverence and wonder.

The site itself is steeped in history. The earliest architectural features of St. Mary's Church date back to the 12th century, yet it is believed that the location had been a significant site long before the advent of Christianity, likely serving as a pagan worship area. This deep historical connection adds to the mystique and cultural significance of the yew tree.

Yew trees, especially the English yew (Taxus baccata), are known for their incredible longevity and resilience. Despite their durability, they are not immune to threats. The Linton Yew faced one of its greatest challenges in 1998 when it was deliberately set on fire. This act of vandalism severely damaged the tree, but the Linton Yew's story did not end there. In a remarkable display of nature's regenerative capacity, the tree has made a significant recovery over the past sixteen years.

Today, visitors to the Linton Yew can witness its extraordinary resilience firsthand. Inside the tree, a five-foot internal stem is visible, symbolizing its ongoing vitality. New secondary wood has grown over the old white wood on both sides of the cavity facing the path, further illustrating the yew's remarkable ability to heal and renew itself.

These images were photographed with a Hasselblad X2D - utilising Zeiss and Hasselblad lenses.

Charles Sainsbury-Plaice is a distinguished British landscape and environmental photographer who has dedicated over 30 years to capturing rural life and landscapes, primarily within the British Isles. His prolific career includes over 200 covers and numerous editorials for leading countryside publications such as The Field Magazine, Country Life, and Horse and Hound, along with a number of book projects. For three decades, Charles has also served as a photographer for the Duchy of Cornwall, documenting numerous private visits and events with the previous Duke and creating rural portraits of His Majesty the King. His work with the Duchy ignited a profound interest in woodland and trees, culminating in a significant project photographing 70 ancient trees and woodlands dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign. This work was showcased in a 300-page coffee table book and a three-week exhibition at Sotheby’s in London, titled "The Queen’s Green Canopy." Charles's dedication to rural photography has made him a prominent figure in his field.
 

The Linton Yew texture1500 years of growth - this was growing at the time of King Alfred The Linton Yew 1500 years of growth - this was growing at the time of King Alfred