Chicken on Yew

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) is often found growing on Yew (Taxus baccata) trees, although as I mentioned to in a previous post it's best avoided due to safety concerns. Why? Well. All parts of the Yew are highly toxic, and there's some debate within the fungi fraternity as to whether or not the Yews' toxins leach into the fruiting body of the Chicken of the Woods; some will say the flesh is safe to eat whilst others say it's not, so with the jury out I for one will give them a miss. It’s not like they don't grow on plenty of other trees.

Fallen Yew

 

Just nature clearing out the dead wood said the woman chirpily as we stood looking at an ancient forest Yew (Taxus baccata) that had been uprooted by storm Eunice; yeah I thought, that's definitely a thing, although the damage we're seeing with increasing frequency throughout the forest is clearly way beyond that; take the ancient Yew in front of us, it was far from dead wood, nor were many of the trees I'd seen uprooted or truncated. I wondered if the woman told herself that as a mental salve.

Back in the field

Today was my first proper walk, and first in the forest, since the weekend of the Levellers at the beginning of December. At the Levellers gig (which was fantastic) it became apparent that I wasn't 25 any more and center front may not be the best place for me in a vigorous crowd; it was a buzz though. Anyway, as a result of my 'youthful' exuberance I damaged my medial collateral ligament and was unable to walk any way for a few days, and not much further for a while after and I still feel the need of a knee brace now for stability (when out walking anyway). Over the last week I'd worked myself up to 5 miles, though today set out to test myself, and ended up doing 10.6 miles. The walking on the flat gravel forestry tracks was dandy, up and down hills not so much and off road somewhat precarious and ill advised, every slip causing a sharp twinge (I was certainly right to wear a knee brace). Still, 10 mile plus wasn't bad, and (touch wood) my knee feels okay for it, stiff, but okay. It was great to be back in the field, back in the forest amongst the stands and out in the open heath with its spectacular views. It may have only been a few weeks, though it felt like an age to me. The forest was bathed in winter sunlight, her streams flowing well, engorged by the recent rains, the air clear and clean, it was a joy to all the senses. Our route took us past the Eagle Oak and his two Yew companions, an ancient Oak with a sad tale, set (along with a few other dispersed ancient Oaks) amongst a much younger coniferous plantation.  It's association may be sad, though there's a pleasant calm air to the site, which is always worth a visit, as are any of the forests ancient inhabitants. Lovely day.

Knowlton Yew

One of the Yews at Knowlton Henge.

Yew Wood

There's been a Yew Wood on Hambledon Hill since the Neolithic. Soil analysis showed that between 3400 BC and 2000 BC the entire Southern side of the hill was covered by a dark yew woodland. The woodland we see today is much younger, though still the coppiced Yews within it are believed to date from the Medieval period, which is still some age.  It's dark and moody, well it was today anyway, and filled with marvellous specimens. Really interesting. The woodland is private, mind, and far be it for me to encourage trespass, but it is quite a wood to walk, very tempting, so be watchful if you do.

Yew

The berries of the European Yew (Taxus baccata), I've seen a lot of berries on the Yews this year. The religious/sacred nature of the Yew to the peoples of Europe is well documented and shown by the number of folklore traditions associated with it, both oral and written.  In both the Celtic and Norse traditions the Yew was seen as the tree of life; it has been suggested that the Yggdrasil of Norse cosmology, traditionally referred to as an Ash tree is in fact a Yew.  Whilst to the Celts saw the Yew as associated with immortality and the ancestors, testimony to its enduring significance to cultural groups of Germanic origins (Celtic, Saxons and such like) was its adoption by the Christians. Even today the Yew is still frequently found in Christian graveyards, and at one time every church yard would have held one.  It should be remembered that although associated with immortality all parts of the tree (except the fleshy part of the berry) are very poisonous, with the needles becoming more poisonous when dried. So no messing, be careful. There's no doubt though that the Yew still holds a magical place in our consciousness and is always met with reverence.

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.