Magic and mystery

Many trees have spiritual associations, both good and bad. For example, the salicin compound in willow bark has been used for pain relief for centuries, but the tree is also associated with mourning. Yew trees bear poisonous berries, and are often found in churchyards, leading to superstitious links to death. Yet they are almost immortal, with the Fortingall yew in Perthshire still sprouting shoots despite being at least 3,000 years old. Birch sticks are still used to make brooms to sweep troubl...