The yew forests are mostly comprised of an ancient conifer, the yew, endangered in the European continent. For this reason, it is a priority habitat conservation according to the EU “9580 * Mediterranean Taxus baccata woods”.  The yew (Taxus baccata) is an emblematic tree, one of the oldest in the world with great cultural, natural and scientific value.

 

It is an emblematic, scenic, unique, beautiful and legendary habitat.  

 

Yew forests are very rare throughout its European distribution. More modern trees like pines, oaks and beeches have relegated them to the loops and ravines of limestone mountains after the last glaciation.

 

They are a very vulnerable habitat that may disappear. They are in regression in the southwest of Europe. Their preservation is further compromised in the context of climate change (temperature increase on Earth) with the consequent increased risk of fires.

 

Because of its beauty, scientific and ecological value, and interest in conservation, other Catalan institutions have decided to take steps to preserve the last yew forests in Catalonia. This is the soul and motive for the project Life Taxus. Its scope is Catalonia, with three main natural areas: the Cardó and Llaberia Mountain Range, the Poblet Forest and Alta Garrotxa.  In addition, the Taxus project aims to take advantage of protecting yew forests as an umbrella for the protection and promotion of  natural and cultural Mediterranean heritage.

 

Jordi Camprodon and Pere Casals

Coordinators