News on the Yews
As part of a major rejuvenation of the Maze, the yew hedges were reduced in height in early 2025. This was to let light into the centre of each plant. Only the outer and inner hedges were kept at their original height, providing a sheltering microclimate.
In early 2026 it was felt that sufficient regrowth had taken place to allow both sides of the reduced hedges to be cut back to the trunk. About two thirds of the hedges were cut back on each side.
Eight months on the results are encouraging. Yew has the extraordinary capacity to regrow from the trunk and growth has been excellent. It is always better on the lower east side of the Maze and despite a lot of research, we have not understood why the the higher west side is not so vigorous. But even so, the yew is regenerating everywhere.
Tape was strung out along paths so the public could continue to follow the Maze. So far, the public has reacted well, to what is a diminished maze, and have understood the work that is going on. Time will tell as the young growth develops: will the public be able to resist barging through or will they follow the paths?
