 Just wondering if anyone had an idea what the bush/tree below growing out of twisleton scar is? I've seen a fair few windswept trees, but normally with bare trunks. Have to assume its windswept and not topiary 
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 It's a Yew. I think.
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Based on the small leaves etc, I'd tend to agree, but most unusual to have a yew on open agricultural land - they are so toxic (berries and leaves) that they tend to get removed. Also a reason why Yews are tradionally seen in Church grounds and grave yards.
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Quite an extensive patch of limestone pavement so not really open agricultural land. Although maybe that explains why you tend to see the tree like things instead.
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Might take a pair of shears up and give it a trim. One simply can't abide an unkempt bush  
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Its still open agricultural land...think you will find the farmhouse attached to it is no more than a few hundred metres away...and they have sheep. Its a lovely spot mind.
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 Yes... it's yew. Yes... it's been nibbled by sheep. Yes... it's toxic. However, if you get close to the nibbled bits, you'll find that the twigs are densely compacted, and it's actually quite difficult for sheep to bite off enough leaves and/or berries to get seriously ill. My guess is that they quickly get bored and go to where the grass grows.
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 So ewes eat yews? Is that some kind of homophonal cannibalism?
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 So yous eat yous? Eye eye. 
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Yes... it's yew. Yes... it's been nibbled by sheep. Yes... it's toxic. However, if you get close to the nibbled bits, you'll find that the twigs are densely compacted, and it's actually quite difficult for sheep to bite off enough leaves and/or berries to get seriously ill. My guess is that they quickly get bored and go to where the grass grows.
Apparently the berries are not toxic. I was told that some people have made preserves of the berries... Not something I'd try.
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Apparently the berries are not toxic. I was told that some people have made preserves of the berries... Not something I'd try.
Yes and no... If you squeeze a yew berry very gently, you get a drop of sugary liquid out of it that most people wouldn't have a problem ingesting. However, some people take badly to it. The little black seed in the middle of the berry is the deadly bit. Sheep and other grazing animals just aren't that particular, and no-one's told them about the pips.
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.JPG) deer will also browse yew. I have one regularly trimmed by them. you can eat yew berries as long as you spit the pips out and don't chew them (the pips). I have done, but not that keen on em. too gelatinous for me. not recommended.
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Remember once reading a book on poisons...according to it, death by yew poisoning takes effect in minutes..
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Indeed. Best not eat any poisonous bits i.e. most parts of it. I have seen and read of plenty of folk(including children) sucking the red flesh off the seeds and spitting them out, and done it a few times myself. Best not done if you think you may accidently chew or swallow them! Though it may be the case that the seeds can pass through the gut untouched as with birds - I wouldn't advise trying it. 3 berries(seeds) is supposed to be dangerous for a child...
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