Yew Tree Planted by Merton's Warden, Professor Jennifer Payne

The Warden of Merton College, Professor Jennifer Payne, has helped the Gardens team plant a Yew tree in Fellows’ Garden. The replacement tree was required following the necessary removal of two horse chestnut trees in 2025. The chestnut trees were suffering from separate issues, but both needed to be removed for safety reasons.

The College community was invited to vote to select both replacements, choosing from a shortlist for each. All trees on the shortlist were chosen because they would grow well in the climate and reach a similar size.

The first replacement selected was a Spanish Oak, planted the Gardens team late last year. The Yew tree is the second replacement, and the Merton community is very pleased to have two new trees now planted and growing in the College grounds.

Both trees were generously funded by alumni donors in the USA. A total of around $25,000 was raised to help the Gardens team source, prepare the ground for, and plant the replacements.

Our tree collection is constantly evolving with other highlights being the planting of Sakura trees with the help of the Japanese Emperor, and an avenue of Cherry trees along the length of Manor Place.