Plans to chop back dozens of yew trees in historic Sussex churchyard

Officials at St Peter’s Church in Upper Beeding want to lop up to eight feet off 36 yews in the grounds of the church – part of a conservation area – and are currently seeking permission from Horsham District Council.

In a statement to the council, the Rev Neill Stannard, from St Peter’s, says that the trees are currently up to 10 feet tall and have grown over headstones in some places leaving memorials only partially visible.

“The avenue of 36 yew trees that runs down the path in St Peter's churchyard, Upper Beeding, towards the church is usually – we have been told by congregation members – pruned every two to three years but hasn't been cut back for at least five years,” he said.