The Yew Tree

This session, we explore our second ancient tree—the Yew Tree (taxus baccata) which is mainly found in mixed woodlands in northern Europe, as well as in ornamental gardens and churchyards. Like many of our ancient trees, the yew has myths which have grown up around it and a variety of uses to which its products are put.

Session 2

Amazing Ancient Trees

Information

Last week we found out about the olive tree and all its many uses. Today we are turning our attention to the Yew Tree. Show a branch. How long do you think a yew can live? 5000 years or perhaps forever!

When it gets old, say 2000 years, its roots pull the tree apart and the tree gets hollow but then the tree can regenerate (like Doctor Who!)

Its branches reach down to the ground in the hollow or around the tree and the branches grow roots starting a new tree (resurrection tree).

Game – Parachute game: Foraging fir cones

What sorts of trees have cones? – conifers like fir trees, cedar, redwood, etc.

The Yew Tree is a conifer but it doesn’t have the normal sort of cones. It has a arils that look like berries (show some). The arils are the only part of the tree that isn’t poisonous. However, the seed inside is poisonous. Birds enjoy eating the arils but don’t die. How can this be?

Sometimes people hang prayers or wishes for the future on special trees.

I have brought some parcel tags so that you can write down your prayers or wishes for the future and we can hang them on our branches. (give labels and pens to leaders who supervise groups of children and help hang labels on branches)

Games

Parachute game: Foraging fir cones

Two children attempt to collect the most fir cones under a mushroomed chute before the parachute comes down (count to 5).

Crafts & Activities

Wands

Pine Cone Creatures

Pudsey/Blush Welly Pegs

Mini Prayer/Wishing Tree

Videos

How to use this resource

There are 5 Rays, which provide a programme for one year’s sessions for a children’s group running during term-time. For each Ray, there is a set of topics, each of which comprises a theme for a term or half-term.

The sessions are presented in a pick-and-mix way - some information, some games, crafts, videos, etc. You are encouraged to adapt the material to your own setting , the time you have available and the resources you have. Don’t think that you have to do everything on offer.