Pic: BBC

The BBC reports that an ancient Perthshire yew has made the top 10 in a list of the most important trees in the UK. The Fortingall Yew, which grows at a churchyard near Aberfeldy, could be up to 5,000 years old and is among the oldest living organisms in Europe. Local legend has it that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who oversaw the crucifixion of Jesus, was born in its shade and played there as a child.

It is heading a list of 22,000 trees being compiled by the Woodland Trust.

The document is being drawn up to highlight the need to protect the UK’s trees.

Jill Butler, from the trust, told the BBC Scotland news website that the Fortingall Yew was a very significant living thing.

That is remarkably special, many yews can grow to a very great age, but the majority of yews in the UK people would think would be up to about 3,000 years old.

The charity’s aim is to have 100,000 ancient trees on its list by the time the project ends.

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