Public invited to vote on six proposals by national artists shortlisted to create a lasting legacy from the Sycamore Gap tree wood

The vote invites people across the UK – and around the world – to choose from six shortlisted proposals, each offering a different vision for how the tree’s story, symbolism and memory can live on for future generations. It follows Trees of Hope, where communities around the UK were invited to apply for one of the 49 saplings grown from seeds rescued from the original tree, (each sapling representing one foot in height of the tree at the time it was felled) which have been planted across the UK to share its legacy more widely.

The winning proposal will form a major nationwide commission to honour what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to so many, while inspiring deeper connections between people and nature.

The tree’s felling in September 2023 prompted an outpouring of grief, affection and reflection from millions of people. To help ensure the public plays a meaningful part in shaping the next chapter of its story, a national vote will form a key part of the judging process with the final selection combining 30% public vote and 70% judges’ score. The panel of judges includes experts in art and nature connection.

Annie Reilly, Public Engagement Director at the National Trust and Chair of the Judging Panel, said: “Over the past two years, we’ve heard extraordinary stories about what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to people – from moments of celebration and milestones to quiet memories of loss, connection and reflection. It became more than a tree; it became part of the emotional landscape of the nation.

“We always wanted to make sure that the tree had an extraordinary legacy, and the wood is now ready for artists to work with, after being carefully stored so it could season over the past 28 months.

“This vote is now the opportunity for the public to help shape the on-going story. Each of the six proposals honours the tree in a different way, and we want people to choose the idea that captures what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to them.”

While deeply rooted in the recent history of the north-east of England, the Sycamore Gap tree held meaning far beyond the region, inspiring visitors from across the world.

Sarah Munro, CEO/Creative Director at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Newcastle and member of the judging panel, said: “Sycamore Gap has long been a symbol of connection—between people, place, and memory. We’re proud to support this commission, which ensures that this deeply loved landmark continues to inspire creativity and reflection.

“The Sycamore Gap tree belonged to everyone – to the region, of course, but also to all those who travelled to see it, walked the landscape, or simply admired it from afar. Opening the commission nationally reflects the global affection for the tree and the ambition to create a work of art that carries its story into the future.

“The shortlisted artists bring exceptional imagination, sensitivity and skill. Each offers a unique way of honouring the tree’s loss while celebrating its enduring place in our shared cultural memory.”

Shortlisted proposals range from the creative reuse of Sycamore Gap tree wood into new artworks and sculptural installations, to nationwide participatory projects that gather personal stories, distribute symbolic carved seeds, build platforms for conversations about climate and bring communities together in song, reflection, and remembrance.

The six shortlisted artists or collaborations are:

• Alex Hartley and Tom James, based in Devon & London – Viewpoint
• Helix Arts x George King Architects, based in the North East – The People’s Tree, A Shared Story
• Mary Dalton, based in Hampshire – Sycamore Gap Black
• non zero one, based in London – SEEDS
• Sam Williams Studio, based in Sussex – Stories of 1000 trees
• Trigger, based in Bristol – Twirl

This new commission forms part of a wider public engagement programme responding to the felling of the tree supported by the Sycamore Gap Partnership Board, which includes Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA), Historic England, and the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership and the National Trust.

Work to date includes the installation of the main section of the tree’s trunk at The Sill (the gateway to Northumberland National Park where the tree once stood), the creation of the Heartwood prints from a cross-section of the trunk by print maker Shona Branigan (now on display at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland as part of its tour of the north-east), ongoing community partnerships, as well as the Trees of Hope initiative.

Nature connectedness expert Professor Miles Richardson, University of Derby, also on the judging panel, commented: “Trees are salient and important to people, be they local or iconic and the depth of feeling we witnessed after the felling demonstrates this. When symbols like the Sycamore Gap tree are lost, it reminds us of the deep emotional bonds we can form with the living world.

“The commission is about more than an artwork – it’s an invitation to renew our relationship with nature, to notice and celebrate it every day, and to take action to protect the natural world. The public’s involvement is vital because this connection belongs to everyone.”

Public voting details:

• Voting opens: Saturday 14th March at 07.00hrs
• Voting closes: Saturday 28th March at 23.59hrs
• Each person may cast up to three votes using a valid email address
• Votes will be combined with the judges' score using a weighted model

The winning artist will be announced later this spring. The work will be completed by 2028.

Annie Reilly added: “This project is built on the belief that something hopeful and unifying can come from such a painful loss. We hope as many people as possible will take part, explore the proposals, and help shape the future story of the tree.”

For further information and to vote for a proposal, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sycamore-gap-commission