THE ties between our Christian heritage and yew trees were highlighted when the Bishop of Blackburn paid a visit to Thrang Wood.

The wood - within English Nature's Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve near Silverdale - has a wild stock of centuries-old yew trees growing on limestone pavement.

"Bishop Alan is very much aware of the links that the yew forges between the natural beauty of the countryside, the wonders of creation and the spirituality of Christians, and we were delighted to host his visit to Thrang Wood," said Jon Hickling, English Nature's conservation officer for Lancashire.