Yew berries

The curiously shaped berries make are a striking contrast against the dark green 'needles' of the yew. Yews are one of the only three coniferous trees which are truly native to Britain. Many yews are extremely long lived so were regarded as a symbol of eternal life. Because of this and because the seeds are poisonous to most mammals they were often planted in churchyards. This was as a to deterrence to farmers who might be tempted to allow their animals to graze there. Badgers and some birds are able to eat the berries and have digestive systems which allow the seeds to pass through their bodies without any ill effects.