Honouring the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree: a public vote
- Published:
- 14 March 2026
Two years after the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, the National Trust launched a major creative commission to mark its legacy and inspire a renewed connection with nature. Now you can choose from six shortlisted proposals.
The Commission
The Sycamore Gap tree commission was announced on 28th September 2025 – with applications open to all. You can read the artists brief at the bottom of this page.
How to Vote
The public vote opens at 7am on Saturday 14 March – click the link for more details.
www.cesvotes.com/sycamoregap
The Shortlist
Six projects have been shortlisted:
- Alex Hartley and Tom James – Viewpoint: Viewpoint is an elevated platform, made from the Sycamore Gap wood, which will lift people up into the space where the tree once stood - before going on a national tour. The artists want to use this platform - and the power of this wood - to hold a conversation about the future of the UK. They say: ‘come and climb the Viewpoint and get a new perspective on the country.’
- Helix Arts x George King Architects – The People’s Tree: A Shared Story: A community engagement programme across the north of England, building an archive of stories, national touring exhibition and a sound sculpture near the Gap where people can listen and reflect on what the tree meant to the region and the nation.
- Mary Dalton – Sycamore Gap Black: Using the wood to create artists' materials - including charcoal, inks and pigments - leading to the production of new works and a resulting touring exhibition that shares the story of the tree across the UK.
- non zero one – SEEDS: A nationwide artwork where participants enter a lottery to receive a specially made sycamore seed inlaid with wood from the tree, and take part in an interactive experience, inviting them to connect with nature and consider our changing landscapes
- Sam Williams Studio – Stories of 1,000 Trees: A nationwide storytelling project collecting the stories of 1,000 trees and bringing them back to Sycamore Gap, creating a shared space for reflection, memory, and reconnection with the landscape.
- Trigger – Twirl: An event at the gap- participants will carry large, paper wind-powered sycamore seeds in a live sonic experience: a sound bath made up of instruments made from the tree, a human chorus and a temporary wind harp installation. Participants will receive a special sycamore seed carved from the wood of the tree.
The National Trust, supported by Civica, will host a vote where the public can vote for their favourite proposal – the voting period is between the 13th – 27th March 2026.
A Symbol of Hope and Connection
The aim of the commission is to transform the story of the Sycamore Gap into a powerful symbol of hope, creativity and connection with the natural world. Around half of the tree’s timber has been made available for the project, and proposals explored themes such as:
- Our collective relationship with nature
- Memory and place
- Community and belonging
Submissions also reflect the National Trust’s wider goals: restoring nature, tackling unequal access to green spaces and heritage, and inspiring millions to care for the environment.
Trees of Hope: A Living Legacy
As part of the broader programme, the Trees of Hope initiative, announced in 2024, has seen 49 saplings grown from the original Sycamore Gap tree planted in communities across the UK. Each sapling represents one foot of the tree’s height and will help continue its legacy in new landscapes.
The largest remaining section of the tree is also now on permanent display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, where it has been, and continues to be, a popular attraction for visitors to Hadrian’s Wall.
Sycamore Gap Anniversary Commission
Sycamore Gap anniversary commission information pack