finding yew in the UK

[backgardenbowyer]

Having made a number of laminated and backed longbows I think it is about time I got hold of some real wood so - does anyone know where I can get a seasoned or part seasoned yew staves or billets in the UK?  There seem to be one or two sources stateside on e-bay but the cost of importing plus the risk of buying sight unseen makes it a bit of a gamble. 

Thanks

Stan

[triton]

sources for yew are jealosly guarded.  I've found most of mine in winter (being evergreen) then knocking on the door of the land owner. 

[Cromm]

What size are you looking for?

[Bowbound]

Just ask around, i got friendly with a tree surgeon now if i ask him for a tree he will often get me one in a few months. Still no yew though but i have had laburnum, almost as good and plenty of ash for almost no cost. £5 for a log with 6 bows in it!

[backgardenbowyer]

Hi Crom - looking for what I can get as long as there is enough to make a decent length bow

Stan

[markinengland]

Stan,
Most people who care enough to collect yew wood for bow making aren't going to let it go.
I have some twisted yew I'd part with but it wouldn't make an easy bow. I cut it into billets to join at the handle but it would still be a challenge to get a good bow from.
Mark

[backgardenbowyer]

Thanks Mark - that's probably a bit challenging for me.  I wouldn't expect people to part with their own carefully private supplies - was hoping there might be someone in the timber trade over here who is dealing in this stuff, but it seems not.

Stan

[jkekoni]

EU directive:

I do not know if this does apply Britain in practise, but round wood requires official paperwork for kiln drying certificate, or
it will be conficated by customs. I think they want to block plant diseases at EU border.

[Pat B]

Midnight run to the ole church yard!

[sailordad]

if there was yew near me i would take the midnight run to get it

and not being religious it wouldnt matter ifn it was in a church yard i would still aquire it lol

[Bowbound]

If you have a lot of cash to spare, like £4800 you could buy the lot on ebay at the moment.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/yew-wood-on-longbow-bow_W0QQitemZ220308264114QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220308264114&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

That is the link.

[Nick]

 I'm new to the forum but not new to the english warbow or the english warbow.com forum but i'll introduce myself later. That pile of yew looks like it can pay for your mortgage on your house or even a new house!
I calculated that buying that pile of yew would give you a profit of about 190,000 pound british currency!! (if each bow is sold at about 600-750 Pound Sterling).

Nick

[Hartung]

Hi Nick and welkom. It's a small world isn't it? 

Ok, that would be a benefit of 3900%. So, when are you going to bid ?

[markinengland]

Maybe a few of us Brits could do a deal together?
Mark in England

[triton]

frought with dangers.  who gets the better wood?