31. Bungalow Tree

An old yew in Leeds has delighted countless generations and has centuries of entertaining ahead of it

Meanwood Park’s yew is not an ancient tree, rather it is a fantastic climbing tree ideally suited for beginners or the risk averse. It has a memorable form being considerably broader than it is tall, and it can be no taller than a bungalow. Get under the canopy to appreciate its impressive, aged branches which have entertained many generations of children. 

Species details

Yew
Taxus baccata

Where to find it

Meanwood Park, Green Road, Leeds LS6 4LT
///much.being.adding | 53.831433, -1.5748580

Yew notes

Yew trees are the oldest trees in Britain or Ireland by a long stretch, even an ancient oak which might reach a thousand years will be orders of magnitude younger than an ancient yew. Partly because of their great age, partly because they are evergreen (once a rare trait among trees in the balmier parts of northern Europe), and perhaps because they are poisonous, yews have collected layers of meaning that continue to echo down the ages. They are fascinating trees that send tingles down the spine.

Day 6

The urban tree festival is in full swing and continues until Sunday 21st May. Check out the programme here.

Urban Tree Festival events have been going on in Leeds this year with tours around the University campus, if you missed the guided walk yesterday, the tree trail can be followed any time! Today’s highlights are London themed:

• 13.00 - Webinar: The London Urban Forest Partnership  Did you know London has an Urban Forest Plan?

• 18.00 - The Wood that Built London, author’s talk with C J Schüler Learn about the Great North Wood that once stretched from Croydon to Deptford

Throughout the Urban Tree Festival. I’ll be posting a Daily Urban Tree which will reflect emerging themes, the places where the Festival is happening and events that are taking place.