Honouring the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree: a new creative commission

The Sycamore Gap tree, one of the most photographed and loved trees in Britain, stood proudly alongside Hadrian’s Wall and was a symbol of the North East’s natural beauty. Its unexpected loss in September 2023 sparked a wave of emotion and reflection across the UK and beyond.

Now, we’re inviting artists, organisations and creative agencies to submit proposals that will breathe life into the wood saved from the felled tree. This extraordinary opportunity will see up to five shortlisted artists receive funding to develop their ideas, with one final concept selected in early 2026.

 

A Symbol of Hope and Connection

The commission aims 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 will be made available for the project, and proposals should explore themes such as:

• Our collective relationship with nature
• Memory and place
• Community and belonging

Final concepts should 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.

 

How to Get Involved

Expressions of interest open at 09.00 on Monday 13 October 2025 and close at 17.00 on Monday 17 November 2025. A downloadable information pack is available now - see below.

Five shortlisted artists or collaborations will each receive £5,000 to develop their proposals. These will be judged by sector experts, with a public vote helping to determine the final selection. The winning proposal will be announced in February 2026.

The commission is part of a wider public engagement programme supported by the Sycamore Gap Partnership Board, including Northumberland National Park Authority, Historic England, and the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership.

 

Trees of Hope: A Living Legacy

As part of the broader programme, the Trees of Hope initiative, announced last year, will see 49 saplings grown from the original Sycamore Gap tree planted in communities across the UK this winter. 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 a popular attraction for visitors to Hadrian’s Wall.