Stoke Abbott

Before 2006: As part of the UK Yew Guardianship Project run by the Conservation Foundation a photograph of the tree was submitted. We do not know when it was taken but it shows the yew before the removal of most of its lower branches. It was submitted by Mrs C. Corson, the church warden.
April 2006 – Tim Hills: A much managed tree. No fewer than six large limbs have been cut off close to the tree at the height of 6’/9′. Some of these were probably 200/300 years old. Girth at 3′ was exactly 16′ (488cm).
Ken Bailey – 2006: The tree is on the south side of the church towards the eastern end and roughly opposite the chancel. It has been somewhat mutilated in that all of the big lower branches have been cut off right at the trunk. The result of this is that it has formed a bushy shape half way up, where re-growth has started.
April 2012 – Peter Norton: The following girths were recorded -16′ 2” (493cm) at the root crown and 16′ 6” (503cm) at 3′.
September 2021 – Brynley Andrews: The female yew had a girth of 503cm (16′ 6”) at 90cm. The tree is in good health and condition after being reduced in crown size by about 40 per cent. Dead basal bark and areas of decay noted.