Background The yew tree ( Taxus baccata ) is a flagship tree, one of the longest-living in the world, with tremendous cultural, natural and scientific heritage value. It is a survivor of a previous age, being a species that was more widespread during the last glaciations. However, the yew is now showing evidence of regression in south-western Europe, making it a vulnerable species. It has a wide range across Europe but only appears in small, reduced population sizes, isolated from each other. It has special status under the laws of some EU countries and some of its populations are included within the habitat-type “Forests Mediterranean Taxus baccata”, which is a priority for conservation in Annex I of the Habitats Directive. There are seven sites where yew populations are protected in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula. The main threats to yew populations seem to be the influence of climate change and human pressures. Processes and activities including the changing landscape of buildings and infrastructure, excessive use of yews for therapeutic purposes and for livestock, plus losses from fire and logging have significantly contributed to the current worrying situation. Objectives The broad aim of the 'TAXUS' project is to contribute to conservation of yew habitats in the north-east Iberian peninsula through specific forestry measures and environmental education activities. To ensure the future of yew populations, the project has the following specific aims: Improve seed dispersal and seedling survival; Growing 10.000 seedlings and replanting 3.500 juveniles; Reduce grazing damage to young yew trees (10 ha); Pruning of 430 trees to improve resistance to Armillaria fungi; Reduce the risk of wildfire affecting yew populations (39 ha); Reduce competition between species for light and water (82 ha); Increase knowledge about the conservation status of yew populations in north-eastern Spain; Improve public understanding about the conservation value of yews and their habitats through education programmes; and Disseminate the project results to all stakeholders. Expected results The project expects to deliver concrete conservation measures in four of the seven sites where this habitat is protected in north-eastern Spain, with the following results: An improvement in the conservation status of the targeted yew populations; Reduced risk to yew populations – particularly from fires and grazing; Increased public awareness about yew conservation – particularly amongst local inhabitants, forestry workers and shepherds; and Ideas and suggestions for further conservation measures.