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https://www.ancient-yew.org/treeInfo.php?link=376
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Historical Notes: 1954 - Rev Kellard: 21' 0'' at the ground and 23' 2 and a half inches at 3'. 2000 - Tim Hills: The yew has a clean bole with a single gash revealing it to be a thin skinned hollow tree. Records show the gap has been closing. It will eventually disappear altogether and the hollow tree will appear solid. Girth 23' 2'' at 1', 24' 9'' at the ground and 23' 1'' at 3'. 2014 - Peter Norton: The male yew grows east of the south facing porch. Its lower bole is enclosed within an ornamental wall which has started to crack as the tree expands. Fine healthy foliage and minimal sensitive pruning indicates great care is taken of this yew. There is also a small area of pale epicormic growth coming out of a burr on the west side of the tree. Votive offerings were evident with apples, red/blackcurrants and plums placed in small crevices, while inside the tree were written messages and shells. A few ribbons had been tied to the lower branches. High in the crown, what looks like nylon webbing was bracing at least four main branches. The tree is hollow and older generations have informed people that they can remember climbing inside, though this is no longer possible. Girths were recorded from the top of the soil on the side nearest the south path as follows: 23' 9'' at 1'; 23' 4'' at 1' 8''; 23' 5'' at 2'. 2016 - Tim Hills 25' 8'' at the ground; 24' 4'' at 1' and 23' 11'' at 3'. June 2021 Brynley Andrews: Girth 727cm girth at 70cm. Tree has massive 50 percent cavity. Bifurcated from ground level. Three cable braces installed and in good condition - probably not enough braces for the weight load. Tree in good health.
Classification: ancient
Classification Codes:

Girth cm: 742
Height measured: at 30cm
Girth ft ins: 24' 4'' at 1' in 2016
Sex: male
Earliest mention:

Source of earliest mention:
c1780: Edmund Rack - parish survey
Date of visit: 01-Dec-97

Compton Dundon church is a little parish church sitting on the site of a prehistoric grove. It is noteworthy for its ancient yew trees dating back at least 1,700 years. Most ancient sites for worship have a yew tree on or near them and this is no accident as their wisdom and help in divination has been recognised throughout the times. Yews are also a symbol for longevity due to their ability to sustain themselves for very very long. The yew tree in Compton Dundon is said to be healing. Many people sit silently by the yew and listens to its stories and advice.

Magical Places of Britain

• www.themagicalplaces.com

Our yew tree has been a special feature of Compton Dundon for generations, and stood long before St Andrew's Church was built.
Indeed he is one of the oldest trees of his kind in Britain. So please, if you can help with a donation, no matter how small, our tree will continue to receive the essential treatment that he needs to survive for generations to come.
Please use either the donations box or Card Reader in the church if you are moved to contribute during your visit.

Thank you.