The oldest known tree in the United Kingdom is generally considered to be the Fortingall Yew , located in the churchyard of the village of Fortingall in Perthshire, Scotland.

Quick Scoop: Where it is

  • Location: Fortingall village churchyard, Glen Lyon area, Perthshire, Scotland.
  • Country: Scotland (within the UK).
  • Setting: It stands inside a walled churchyard, with paths and low stone walls around it.

How old is it (roughly)?

  • Common estimate: Around 2,000–3,000 years old.
  • Some higher estimates: Up to about 5,000 years (or even more in older speculation), which would make it one of the oldest non‑clonal trees in Europe.
  • Reason for uncertainty: The central trunk has decayed over time, so scientists rely on girth records and growth models rather than clear growth rings.

Why this tree matters

  • Historic status: It is widely described by conservation bodies and writers as the UK’s oldest tree.
  • Cultural setting: Like many ancient yews, it is rooted in a churchyard and associated with long‑standing local traditions and stories.
  • Wider context: Other contenders (such as the yew at St Cynog’s churchyard in Defynnog, Wales) are also extremely old, but Fortingall is still the best‑known “oldest tree” candidate.

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