Veteran Yews
There are two 'veteran' yews on the edge of the lawn behind Broomfield House. Both have been extensively reduced in height due to storm damage.
The souvenir programme commemorating the opening of the park in April 1903 stated that they were believed to be 800 years old. However, the 2016 Conservation Management Plan for Broomfield House estimates them to be over 300 years old.
It is very difficult to precisely date the age of a yew. The dendrologist Alan Mitchell is quoted as saying “most trees look older than they are except for yews which are even older than they look.”
London’s oldest yew is probably the Totteridge yew in the churchyard of St Andrew and is thought to be 2000 years old. The oldest yew in the UK is in Perthshire and is believed to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old.
In British folklore, yew is associated with immortality and death and are a feature of many churchyards.
Yew is one of the hardest of all softwood species. All parts of the yew tree are considered toxic and poisonous to humans.
dfmarch66 • June 1, 2020
The Friends of Broomfield Park had a achieved six Enfield in Bloom awards, including two Golds, three Silvers, and a Bronze, as well as a prestigious individual honour.
All ages welcome as Southgate RFC take up residence in Broomfield Park.
Friends of Broomfield Park were delighted to take part in The Big Draw Festival 2026, joining thousands of organisations around the world celebrating the joy, creativity and accessibility of drawing. This year’s theme, “Make a Mark”, invited everyone to explore drawing as a way of seeing, thinking and connecting — not just creating a finished picture. The event was a great success, with lots of people turning up to unleash their creativity and enjoy trying something new. CLICK TO READ MORE AND SEE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE EVENT
The biggest community event of the year in our area
A new report from the Friends of Broomfield Park volunteer Lakes Team outlines water quality issues, monitoring results, and remedial actions for Broomfield Park’s three lakes, wetlands, and a wildlife pond.
FoBP’s new "Hoverfly Lagoon" family workshop successfully taught children to build micro-habitats.
Calling local musicians, schools, groups & event planners! Help us co-deliver unforgettable live performances to celebrate 100 years of Broomfield Bandstand!
Our beloved bandstand to be given a centenary makeover
Some things we know and others we don't
We want to ensure stories of Broomfield House and park are recorded and shared. Join us as a heritage volunteer to help. No heritage background needed - just curiosity and enthusiasm!
