[1] National Tree Week runs from 23 November to 1 December 2024.
[2] The tree was 15 metres (49.2 feet) in height when it was felled. Forty-nine trees are forming part of this initiative, with each tree representing one foot in height of the tree when it was illegally felled on the evening of 27 September 2023.
The first sycamore gap sapling to successfully grow from seed from the felled tree was gifted to His Majesty the King in Honour of Celebration Day in May for planting in winter 2025/26 in Windsor Great Park for visitors to enjoy as a symbol of the hope and beauty that can come from loss.
[3] Tina’s Haven on the Durham coast is an area of National Trust land being restored for nature with the aim of enhancing recovery for both people and nature. The charity’s ambition is that the land at Tina’s Haven will be developed with the communities of East Durham, one of the most economically deprived former mining areas in the region. The programme is named in memory of Tina Robson – a young woman who lost her life to addiction – and the aim is for Tina’s ‘Tree of Hope’ to form part of this community nature reserve.
[4] ‘Fergus’s Tree’: Fergus was a young boy who sadly died of bone cancer at just 12 years old. As a symbol of hope and recognition for all those suffering from childhood cancers and the families affected a ‘Tree of Hope’ is being planted in his local park.
Case studies, which include full versions of the 3 mentioned in the body copy of the release plus 6 extras from across the UK:
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, Leeds (full version of case study mentioned in body copy)
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is building The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, a landmark care centre for MND patients at Seacroft Hospital, which is due to open next summer. The first of its kind, the vision for the centre’s creation came from the former Leeds Rhino rugby league legend and his consultant neurologist in Leeds, Dr Agam Jung, with the aim of providing a bespoke centre suited to the varied and changing needs of MND patients. Together with state-of-the-art clinical rooms, the space has been designed with light, nature and community at its heart, and it is hoped it will offer a calm and supportive environment for patients and their families.
After being diagnosed with the disease in 2019, Rob and his former teammate, Kevin Sinfield, helped raise over £15 million for charity to raise awareness and fund research into MND.
The £6.8 million centre, will be a fitting legacy to the man who selflessly did all he could to raise the profile of this debilitating disease before he sadly passed away in June this year at the age of 41.
The centre has been designed in partnership with patients and staff from Leeds Teaching Hospitals, together with their families and is being funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity.
Rob’s widow Lindsey said: “We have all joined together with equal input to create and design a centre which we believe will inspire and provide hope for the MND community. At our centre’s core is a garden, an area for reflection and hope, and an area we believe will provide comfort for families facing such a dreadful diagnosis.
The connection to Sycamore Gap runs deep for many in the MND community who have taken on long distance walks and runs raising money to build the centre, including treks across Northumberland and Hadrian’s Wall.
Along the way, the Sycamore Gap tree became such a source of strength, a place to recharge, to reflect and for renewed hope. Funds raised and awareness of the condition all happened whilst being inspired under the shelter given by the Sycamore Tree.
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease will open next year and by winter, its Sycamore Gap sapling will find its new home. Lindsey concluded: “This Tree of Hope perfectly reflects our struggles and will provide our families with a powerful reminder that it is possible to heal even after we have been cut down. It signifies renewal, regeneration and the ability to evolve. The sapling reflects our fight for life and will provide comfort, inspiration, hope and the presence of healing in our garden.”
Holly’s Hope, Hexham (full version of case study mentioned in body copy)
Holly Newton was just 15 years old when she was tragically killed by her ex- boyfriend because he couldn’t accept the end of their relationship in January 2023.
Holly loved animals, dancing and spending time in the outdoors, particularly walking and had plans to raise money for her dance school by climbing Ben Nevis.
After losing their daughter, Holly’s parents, Micala and Lee, set up Holly’s Hope in April 2024 to raise awareness of the warning signs young people should look out for when experiencing their first relationships.
The couple are currently working on designing and delivering an educational pack for teens / young adults, parents and teachers to ensure young people, particularly young girls know where to go and who to ask for support should they ever become concerned for their safety, and can identify the early warning signs such as controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, psychological abuse and stalking. The package will be available for schools early next year.
As part of Holly’s legacy, Micala and Lee also want to raise funds to buy and install Bleed Boxes and Critical Injury kits around the north-east of England in an effort to try to ensure that life-saving equipment is readily available around the region should anyone be in a situation where they are suffering from a catastrophic bleed. For more information see: https://www.hollyshope.co.uk/home
Holly’s mum, Micala Trussler, said: “Knowing that we are going to have one of the sycamore gap saplings to help remember our daughter, means a lot. This Tree of Hope will be symbol for everyone that knew her, to reflect and to remember how amazing she was.
“It will also inspire and help us push forward with helping other young people, and to bring about positive change and action to help protect anyone who may find themselves at risk.”
Holly’s tree will be in planted in conjunction with Hexham Abbey.
The Tree Sanctuary and The Tree Amigos, Coventry (full version of case study mentioned in body copy)
The Tree Sanctuary in Coventry began in 2023 when a small group of friends, united by their passion for tree conservation and protection, transformed neighbouring allotment plots into a sustainable refuge for trees and a haven for nature.
Among them is a group of teenagers who gained local acclaim as “The Tree Amigos" after receiving recognition and awards for replanting trees damaged by vandalism in local public spaces. The young group have also constructed a headquarters entirely from recycled and donated materials, which is a welcoming hub for community-led tree planting initiatives.
Almost the entire Tree Sanctuary project has been centred around utilising donated trees, tools, equipment and materials which can also be shared with others and includes a tool and creative workshop which has helped to support the tree saving campaigns of local communities.
The Tree Sanctuary not only houses unwanted trees but also nurtures saplings grown from the seeds of ancient trees that have been lost to urban development. Volunteers work to replant these trees in a new communal woodland known as Liberty Wood, which was entrusted to the Sanctuary by the Coventry City Council. The Sanctuary's mission is to rescue trees destined for removal and foster a greener, healthier environment for local residents and future generations.
Martina Irwin from the Tree Sanctuary said: “When we heard about the loss of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree last year, our Tree Amigo group decided to plant locally gathered sycamore seeds to create a living legacy for the species in our urban woodland.
“We are proud of the respect and dedication our teenagers show for all trees, especially when they are often assumed to be responsible for vandalism of trees. Receiving a Tree of Hope sapling from the original Sycamore Gap tree gives us all an incredible chance to connect even more people, especially young people, to nature.
“This special tree will be planted next year among the other 'lost' trees in our care, serving as a beacon to inspire respect, understanding, and a sense of responsibility toward all trees.”
Moving on Inverclyde, Scotland
Moving on Inverclyde (MoI) was set up in 2002 to support individuals and their families affected by problematic substance use. Since then, it has supported over 4000 people, working closely with all partners in the Recovery Community, within Inverclyde, in Scotland.
It focuses on providing hope and dignity and challenging the stigma of substance use, as well as providing support for both physical and mental wellbeing to help make recovery possible. MoI actively celebrates recovery so it’s visible and inspiring to anyone who may need support.
Bev Thow, Service Manager says: “We were thrilled to hear the news that we will be receiving one of the 49 Trees of Hope.
“The sapling will have huge significance within an area of high poverty, deprivation, and where there are sadly high numbers of deaths due to drugs and alcohol.
“The tree as it grows over the coming decades will signify the beginning of new life for the recovery community and their families within an area where hope is important, especially given how the magnificence of the original tree was known to everyone and was spiritually recognised as a symbol of strength and wonder.
Bev continued: “Inverclyde is an area of high deprivation but has a strong community that supports one another – none more so than the recovery community. We celebrate recovery month each year in September, but unfortunately we are about to lose the commemorative tree in the community square, as a new road and regeneration of the area takes place.
“The opportunity to apply for one of the Trees of Hope therefore came at just the right time.
“We’ll be planting it at Battery Park in Greenock, overlooking the River Clyde, next winter and it will truly become a symbol of hope for brighter futures and a symbol of community strength.
“From great sadness comes greater hope and from the old life, comes new life – even when you least expect it.”
Grow to Know – London
Grow to Know was born out of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in North Kensington, London, in June 2017 where 72 lives were lost.
Established in 2020 as a not-for-profit, Grow to Know feels duty bound in inspiring, innovating and influencing local, national and global change - reflected in their recent relaunch as a creative changemaking collective.
Grow to Know uses creativity, collaboration and community to confront complex social and environmental challenges - having worked with brands like Penguin Random House, Nike and Gucci to thread the magic of nature and community to bring much needed change to a wide-ranging audience - creating new access points to both conversation and action.
The Tree of Hope allocated to Grow to Know will be planted at Life Under the Westway: Maxilla Gardens, North Kensington, when it’s ready for planting next winter.
North Kensington is one of the most deprived communities in the country, despite sitting in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, one of the most affluent boroughs in the country.
Tayshan Hayden-Smith, Founder and Creative Director at Grow to Know said: “Grenfell was the catalyst for understanding what it really means to be someone from North Kensington; someone from London; what it means to be British; what it means to be a human on this planet now, in 2024.
“Context and heritage is crucial in understanding our past to inspire a future based on community spirit, and Notting Hill is one of the most colourful and characterful places in the world - a melting pot of different cultures.
“Prior to the felling of this iconic tree, the majority of the community wouldn’t have been aware of its existence. However, its importance is deep rooted and symbolic - and so when its felling hit the headlines, there was a collective feeling of hurt, disappointment and injustice.
“The news of its felling served to emphasise how the beauty and benefits of nature are to be protected, cherished and shared; and when we are presented with injustice and adversity, it is through community and collaboration where we can seek justice and joy.
“Whilst on entirely different scales, the Grenfell Tower fire evoked these feelings, deeply - and in Grow to Know's case, nature offered hope, an opportunity to change and connect.”
He continued: “Building bridges is crucial to confronting trauma – and it’s what we’ve focused on since disaster struck at the very core of this community seven years ago.
“Nature is at the heart of everything we do, and planting one of the Sycamore Gap tree saplings in North Kensington will be a symbol of seeds of change, hope and community.
“We see it to be a powerful message locally, nationally and globally of how community, collaboration and coexistence is crucial in the creation of collective change needed for both planet and people.”
HMP Morton Hall, Lincolnshire
HMP Morton Hall is a Category C, Foreign National Offender prison in the heart of rural Lincolnshire.
As a rehabilitative prison with men from over 60 nationalities, it is a home for multiple heritages and languages, where experiences and tastes are far and wide-ranging. Commonalities that unite the men are celebrated; whether that is through food, music, the arts or nature – these very ‘human’ things are interwoven and communicated through all the different cultures.
Prisoners are offered education, skills and work designed to help with their rehabilitation and regeneration back into society. Some of the men serving there have escaped persecution, conflict or atrocities in their own countries. Hope is a precious commodity in many prisons where those convicted of crimes await release and the chance of redemption. For this reason, a culture of hope is celebrated through their education provision, through their multi-faith centre and the way in which they share what they do with the wider community for purposes of collaboration, creativity and cohesion.
A sapling grown from a seed from the felled Sycamore Gap tree will be planted at HMP Morton Hall to provide a place of sanctuary and new beginnings.
Luke Smith, Head of Education, Skills & Work at HMP Morton Hall says: “The sapling planted at HMP Morton Hall will help to provide a place of sanctuary, where the dreams and potential of all the men we look to rehabilitate can be realised and allowed to flourish.
“We are so pleased to be welcoming a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree at HMP Morton Hall. It will also help with our work in bringing the communities on both sides of the fence together, providing a unique opportunity for the fostering of togetherness, with hope flowing through the roots and soil of our grounds here.”
Jessica Everett
Sapling to be planted at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridgeshire to raise awareness of NF2
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare, and degenerative genetic condition that causes benign tumours to grow along nerves. These most commonly occur in the brain and spine and may cause a range of symptoms including hearing loss, mobility difficulties, visual impairment and pain.
Jessica Everett, 34 has suffered with NF2 since she was just eight years old. Her mum Wendy applied for a Tree of Hope on her behalf to both shine a light on this debilitating and life-changing illness, but to also celebrate the ground-breaking work that Jess has done since setting her mind to living with this condition and raising awareness of it. She has found travel and nature to be part of her coping strategy.
The Sycamore Gap – and the iconic tree that grew there – is of special significance to Jess as in 2012 she decided to walk the 84 mile Hadrian's Wall path, a hike made even more challenging due to Jess’s impaired mobility, sight and hearing.
Jess commented: “The entire walk was a challenge, but the Sycamore Gap section was particularly difficult, and I couldn’t have completed the walk without the friend and family that joined me at various sections of the route, to help me on my way.
“Conquering the rocky terrain and reaching the welcoming shade and calm of the majestic Sycamore Gap tree meant so much and inspired me to complete the trail. It was so amazing to hug the tree – and I was so grateful to reach it and to make some wonderful memories as well as raising awareness of NF2.”
Jess has endured multiple life changing operations and learned how to adapt since being diagnosed with this rare condition. But despite all of this she has been determined to help others, even setting up a community led social enterprise called ‘Can You Hear Us’ which offers support to NF2 sufferers and their carers in the UK and across the world. Over the past few years Jess has also founded various support groups online and in hospitals as well as speaking at conferences, to help others diagnosed with the condition and to help medical professionals understand from the patient perspective.
Wendy Burroughes, Jess’s mum commented: “Jess is such an inspiration. It was amazing to hear that our application for one of The Trees of Hope has been successful as it will be so incredibly special for her to get up close and personal with this iconic tree and know its peace again.
“Planting a sapling at Addenbrookes hospital where Jess goes for all her treatment, will help create a space for hope and contemplation. We are so grateful to the amazing medical team there for everything they’ve done for Jess over the years.
“Once planted, the tree will be a place for NF2 patients to be able whisper thanks or share memories – and hopefully the tree will be able to provide anyone visiting the hospital with strength and reassurance.”
For Strabane, Northern Ireland
The town of Strabane is situated between Londonderry and Omagh in Northern Ireland. It has a vibrant community, known for celebrating the arts, music and traditions but also for being resilient and hopeful for a better future following thirty years of Troubles.
The planting of one of the Trees of Hope in Strabane has dual significance, representing both the town’s collective journey towards healing after conflict by offering an opportunity for community engagement as people come together to care for it, and as a tribute to an admired member of the community, John Gallagher. John, a plumber who served the community of Strabane for years sadly died recently from motor neurone disease (MND) and the tree sapling will act as a reminder of the impact he had on the community.
John Donaghey Strabane resident and best friend and brother-in-law and of John Gallagher says: “The Sycamore Gap tree with its enduring presence, reminds us that even after loss, new life can emerge. Planting one of the ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings here in Northern Ireland offers an opportunity to cultivate something meaningful, encouraging a sense of optimism for the future.
“Planting it will foster unity and shared purpose, creating a space for community gatherings and reflection. It will serve as a living memorial to those we’ve lost and a reminder of our commitment to peace. As the tree grows, it will inspire future generations and remind us of our strength, transforming a painful past into a symbol of hope.”
The tree will be planted in the town of Strabane next winter.
Gower College Swansea, Landscaping and Eco Construction department, Wales
At Gower College Swansea, the Landscaping and Eco Construction team provide vocational programmes for young people aged 14-16, many of whom did not have a positive early experience of education.
Each week, 43 groups of school students attend College to access an alternative curriculum, one that aims to give them hope for the future.
Unlike traditional classroom-based activities, the students at Gower College Swansea work outdoors, learning about the environment and gaining practical skills that will boost their confidence and their employability.
In addition, the College offers two Diploma courses – a Level 1 in Landscape Construction and Gardening and a Level 2 in Practical Horticulture Skills.
This year the College launched its Green Hwb; a dedicated outdoor space for students to learn and relax with a pond, polytunnel and orchard and a kitchen garden planned for next year. It’s in the Hwb that the Sycamore Gap sapling will be planted next year, where it will be cared for by the College’s Schools Group and Environmental Club.
Local junior schools and groups will also be invited to visit the tree and learn from its story as told by the students at the College.
Kirsten Collins, the College’s Assistant Learning Area Manager for the 14-16 Schools Programme, says: “The devastating news of the Sycamore Gap tree really impacted our staff and strengthened their resolve that education is vital for preserving not only our environment but also our history.
“The Sycamore Gap sapling will give our Green Hwb an identity, a focal point for renewal, a symbol for chance, for growth, for strength. An opportunity to share stories of the original tree, its heritage and the stories of the other saplings. A chance to reflect on our own stories, to take pride in where we are in the world despite adversity, to consider our connection to the world around us, and the impact that we have on the planet.
“The tree will be a poignant learning tool that grows with us, a symbol of our department, our College and our wider community, that is cared for and nurtured by our students year in year out, as they are cared for and nurtured by our incredible team of staff.”
