Last week we went to Norbury Park in search for the ancient yew trees. Despite getting lost a few times, we managed to finally get to these majestic huge trees, some of which are up to 5 metres in circumference! We only managed to spend about half an hour around the trees as it was starting to get dark, but we immediately felt much better and more energized. We know we will be back  – the place has been calling us since then! But before we go back and share more of our experience with you, here is some interesting information we have found about the yew trees.

Yew trees are some of the oldest trees. They are believed to have survived since the Ice Age, and some trees are thought to be up to 4,000 years old!

Because of their longevity and the ability to grow new trees from the same root bole, yew trees have been associated to rebirth, regeneration, immortality, and transformation.

Yew trees are also known as “death trees” because they are poisonous. In the Middle Ages in Europe arrows were tipped with the poison made from the Yew trees. Due to being poisonous, yew trees can not be eaten by any insects (which can be one of the reasons for their longevity). Yew trees were quiet often planted around churches – possibly, as they serve as a long-lasting natural fence or a barrier.

It is also believed that the resinous vapour produced by the trees was inhaled by shamans to create visions.

There is currently an ongoing research into the healing potential of the yew trees. “National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded researchers unlocked the Pacific yew tree’s potential to treat cancer and developed the lifesaving compound paclitaxel (Taxol)”. Read more here.

Have you ever seen a yew tree in nature? What was your impression of it? Did you sense anything interesting while being near it?

We would love to hear your story!