On Tuesday 11th February a small group of us headed north on the M5, in the direction of Painswick, Gloucestershire.

The day was grey and damp, and chilly. We had decided to visit the Rococo Gardens to admire their renowned display of massed snowdrops.

This was not strictly a walk; we rather more meandered our way around the gardens, chatting as we went. Enjoying as well the bare structures of a still wintry landscape, and quirky carvings emerging occasionally from ancient trees.

For lunch we adjourned to The Falcon Inn in the centre of the village, followed by a short exploration of our surroundings, including a very chilly church and beautiful church yard adorned with its famous 99 yew trees, which were only planted in the 18th century.

I have read since that many yew trees in this country are 900 years old or more and have been revered for their great age (particularly by Druids who saw them ask a symbol of everlasting life). If that is so, I wonder why they have turned up in a Christian grave yard. Does anybody know?

Report by Veronica Hobbs
Photos by Ross Janes