Much Marcle

March 1988 – Dinah Norman: In a response to David Bellamy’s ‘Country Living’ request for yew information, gave the following information. “In 1969 a report in Country Life (October 9th) reported that it was 32′ with cavities. Now girth of the tree is 28 and a half feet at 3 feet and 31 feet at 4 feet.
February 1998 – Tim Hills: The tree will need careful monitoring to ensure that it is not inadvertently damaged by its many visitors. The seat in its vast hollow may look picturesque but invites visitors to linger. Soil compaction could become a problem in the future.
2005 – This much visited yew was reported to the Conservation Foundation to be suffering from ‘visitor stress’ in the form of severe compacting of the ground around the tree. Expert opinion was sought and a variety of options considered. In the first instance a substantial mulch to the base to feed the root system will be applied. A temporary fence is being considered and ultimately a permanent platform to keep feet off the surrounding ground. Lastly the crown weight has been slightly reduced, some dead wood removed and some of the lower branches tidied. Some of the old and unsightly metal supports have been removed, but the characterful Victorian lamp posts have been left in place – Richard Brooks.
July 2007 – Tim Hills: The tree is looking in excellent health, the work carried out has obviously benefitted the tree.
September 2011 – Tim Hills: Tree continues to look in excellent health. Noticeable that there is new leaf growth on the inner surface of the tree.
July 2014 – Peter Norton: The large hollow female yew grows close to the south facing porch. A minimum girth was noted as 27′ 3” (831cm) at 1′ from the ground as obtained from the north side of the tree. Nails are evident at this height and slightly undulate around the bole.
2017 – Paul Wood: So many people have sat on the seat that the wood is highly polished. Some staining on the outside of the bole appeared to be caused by coins being left embedded in the tree’s bark.