The Fortingall Yew - Europe's Oldest Living Thing, Perthshire, Scotland

This video tells the story of the Fortingall Yew located in Perthshire, Scotland, and it's quite possibly the oldest living thing in Europe. The tale surrounding this Yew tree is long, very long, in fact, it's said to be 5000 years old, however, many Dendrochronologists believe it might be over 9000 years old. The story of the Fortingall Yew takes in the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron ages, just imagine the things this tree has lived through down the ages. It's seen the Storegga slide that separated Britain from Europe over 8000 years ago, Julius Cesar and the Roman invasion of Britain, the World Wars and so on. Pontious Pilate is said to have been born in Glen Lyon and sat under the Fortingall yew. So, join me on a wee adventure into the history of the Fortingall Yew.

Music:
Melodicka Bros - Take on me cover

[tick]

If you're ever driving near Wellington in Somerset, the Ashbrittle Yew is another ancient and impressive specimen. Possibly the second oldest tree in the UK. Also situated in a church yard. Planted on a burial mound 3000-4000 years ago. The tree has about 8 massive branches coming up from the ground which look like 8 separate trees.

[janetrae]

I was there last week! It’s an honor to be in the presence of this ancient beauty.

[cindysunley]

Wow, that was beautiful. Wish I could come and hug this tree 😊

[kathypiazza]

I hope it’s well protected. One of our oldest trees in British Columbia Canada was vandalized. There are sick people out there.

[bjorreb]

There are many old around the world. In Sweden we have this and the age is proven. Old Tjikko is an approximately 9566 year-old Norway spruce, located on Fulufjället Mountain of Dalarna province in Sweden. Old Tjikko originally gained fame as the "world's oldest tree".[1] Old Tjikko is, however, a clonal tree that has regenerated new trunks, branches and roots over millennia rather than an individual tree of great age. Old Tjikko is recognized as the oldest living Picea abies and the fourth-oldest known clonal tree.

[joycekellner]

You have a lovely accent and soothing voice. Thank you for this terrific video.

[Scribdoodle]

I always get the most interesting videos recommended to me after 2am in the morning. If anyone can figure out why that might be, I'm so curious. Nice video!

[Lousialee-hmgu]

It is awe inspiring when you think of how ancient this tree is. I have been there a couple of times.

[Dennis-yceb]

Well done. This is another trip for the bucket list.

[McConnachy]

It’s a great part of Scotland. Thank you for the video 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[wilsonsothernames]

Thanks for the story and production. what a beauty!

[barrylong]

A great tribute .It's on my list to visit.The oldest tree in Ireland is known as the Silken Thomas Yew but it s only a chicken when compared to yours.Its believed to be around 800 years old and stands on the grounds of St.Patricks churc and college, Maynooth, Co.Kildare.

[keithjeffries]

A well produced video. I look forward to seeing more. Thanks

[katep]

This was very interesting thank you, but nowadays most experts feel the tree is 'merely' 1-2 thousand years old! Still fabulous though.

[evitasdad]

That was excellent!
So interesting and well explained,
I enjoyed learning of something new here today.
Thank you very much,
From New Zealand.

[SuperVlerik]

This is a beautiful video. I particularly loved seeing the engraved stones in the walk through history. Something many people don't realize about the placement of so many old churches near ancient yews and holy wells (which predate the churches and even Christianity itself) is the calculated strategy for religious conversion involved. Why attempt to convert the masses to come worship at your own place, when you can simply infiltrate the one they have attended for many generations?

[borleyboo]

Gorgeous video. And that TREE! It’s so beautiful. I love Yew trees. Always have and, to me, they have huge personalities like all trees. But WOW! Nine thousand years old is just mind-boggling. 😮 I have subscribed and look forward to more videos like this. Thank you. 😊

[cognitivedissonancecamp]

Tree has had more dead people around it than alive - no wonder it's doing so well and is so old.

[EVOLLOVEx]

Another absolutely glorious video!! Keep it up mate learning something new every singe video!

[suzannehaigh]

Was upset, it was nothing to what I expected. But, it is still living so has to be respected after over 2000 years I believe.