Loudoun - Big Wood

The grove of yew is found to the south west of the centre of the woodland. The oldest tree grows at the foot of a high steep bank. It fell long ago, but with roots still firmly embedded in the ground, is growing vigorously. It is male with a girth estimate of about 4m. Several other yews grow within a 30 to 40 metre area of this fallen tree, some on the edge of, or on a steep enbankment. At least three of these are slowly leaning over. Several of the yews grow about 10 metres apart in an L shape, running towards the north.
(Unnamed entry) The yew is quite buried at its lower end and impossible to get a tape around even though the bank has fallen away on one side of it. A girth of 4.02m at approx 1.7m from what would have been ground level was recorded. This is below the point where the bole branches out and is narrower than the trunk appears to be at around 1m. From what can be seen, the diameter is at least another 15 – 30cm at this point, but it would take some excavation to be sure.