Bishop of Salisbury launches yew tree protection campaign

It is thought the Ankerwycke yew at Runnymede provided shelter for the barons, bishops and King John while Magna Carta was sealed

A campaign aimed at managing and protecting Britain's yew trees has been launched by the Bishop of Salisbury.

The Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam blessed 42 saplings in the cathedral grounds to kick off the Conservation Foundation's "We Love Yew" campaign.

It is part of a year of celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta by King John.

The Ankerwycke yew at Runnymede is thought to have provided shelter for the barons, bishops and king.

David Shreeve, director of the Conservation Foundation, said the project aimed to teach people about the tree's place in the history of where they live.

The project is offering communities and schools yew tree saplings to plant.