St. Nicholas Yew

Tucked away up a lane on the outskirts of Brockenhurst in the New Forest is the 12th century church of St. Nicholas, a lovely building in itself, though what singles it out as special is the 1000 year plus old Yew (Taxus baccata) that stands beside it. What a magnificent tree. It's common to find Yews in churchyards, their association with death and rebirth extends far back into human history. To the Iron Age Celts the Yew was sacred (a Romano-British temple is thought to have stood here before the Christian church) and to the Saxons too, both pagan and Christian, the tree also held significance (a Saxon church also stood on this site), it's more than likely that its importance to people extends well into prehistory.  Its almost universal importance where ever found suggests its roots are deeply entwined with our own spiritual consciousness as does the continuity with which it remains as religious practices and paths rise and fall. If you're over this way take time out to visit it and spend some time in its company.