Churchyards

Bereavement Services are currently in charge of 15 cemeteries, eight closed churchyards and two gardens of remembrance throughout Flintshire.

She said: “Space for the burial of bodies is at a premium and many churches are running out of room in their churchyards.

Yew trees are often found in churchyards so it’s important pet owners keep their eye out for these on their walks.

Although the consecrated ground of churchyards mean they are very rarely built on, Fry says new private owners of church buildings may quietly sabotage a yew for taking “their” light.

And it points to the vast majority of ancient yews being found in churchyards as proof that church folk have been excellent tree guardians over the ages.

Saplings are being grown for a new project to provide churchyards across Perthshire and Angus with their own yews, grown directly from cuttings from the ancient tree.