Apply for a Sycamore Gap sapling
Complete the application form before 23:59 on 25 October 2024. The 49 successful applicants will be announced during National Tree Week which runs from 23 November - 1 December 2024.
Over the last year, the partnership jointly led by the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority and Historic England have been working together with other partners to find inspiring ways to ensure the legacy of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree lives on.
We're delighted to offer the opportunity for people to request one of the Sycamore Gap saplings.
The ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative, where 49 saplings – one to represent each foot of the height that the tree was at the time of felling, will be gifted to communities around the country.
People from around the UK are invited to apply for a tree to plant in publicly accessible spaces, which have emotional connections with people and communities.
In announcing our ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative, we aim to find new homes for the Sycamore Gap saplings in community settings across the UK so that people can engage with the Sycamore Gap Tree and its story.
Our hope is that it will enable more people to feel included in the story of the tree and to become part of its legacy, helping to create a new chapter in the life of this much-loved tree.
The 49 Sycamore Gap saplings will be awarded to individuals, groups, and organisations and is to be planted in publicly accessible community places across the UK.
Each of these 49 saplings will carry a message of hope and regeneration.
We want to make sure we reach a range of people and places - for full eligibility criteria and an outline of the judging process please read the full Terms and Conditions below.
Timeline
Entries to the competition must be made on the entry form Trees of Hope application formand must be submitted on or before 23:59 on 25 October 2024 (the ‘Closing Date’).
Prize winners will be notified by email on or before 18 November 2024.
Subject to receiving prize winners’ consent, we intend to announce their names during National Tree Week (23 November - 1 December 2024).
We aim to deliver prizes in early spring or late autumn 2025 and at the latest by 30 March 2026.
Prizes
There will be 49 prizes of one sapling each. They are expected to be a minimum of 6ft tall on delivery.
The saplings must not be used for propagation or commercial purposes.
Important notes
The competition is free to enter.
It is your responsibility to check there are no restrictions that would prevent you from planting a Sycamore sapling in your preferred location.
Prize winners may incur costs in collecting prizes from pick-up points.
Full term and conditions apply.
Terms and Conditions
Please view and complete the 'Trees of Hope' application form: Trees of Hope application form
Please read the Terms and Conditions (above) before applying.
Applications for a ‘Tree of Hope’ will open on 27 September, which will mark one year on since the illegal felling took place (overnight on 27 and into the morning of 28 September).
The National Trust will accept applications until 23:59 on the 25 October 2024.
The 49 successful applicants will be announced during National Tree Week which runs from 23 November - 1 December 2024.
Introducing the Sycamore
Sycamores are large, broadleaved trees. They lose their leaves in winter and grow new ones in spring, so their appearance changes with the seasons. Tough and adaptable, they can grow in poor soils and have good resistance to pollution. They are brilliant for wildlife; caterpillars eat the leaves, Greenfinches and Goldfinches eat the seeds, and the flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and other beneficial insects. The sturdy branches provide good nesting sites for birds, and bats can live in crevices in the bark.
Mature Sycamore trees have broad canopies so can be planted to provide shade or shelter from the wind for people or livestock. They are not suitable for small gardens but are often seen in large parks and woodlands.
Sycamores have winged seeds; the technical term is ‘samara but they are often known as ‘helicopters They have a flattened blade which makes the seed spin on the way down and allows seeds to travel on the breeze a long way from the parent tree. This helps the new trees find a space to grow with plenty of light and water, without being overshadowed by the large parent tree.
Sycamores appear frequently in folklore and myths across the UK and Europe. Their long lives and distinctive shape mean many old trees become local landmarks and others have great significance, such as the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ tree in Dorset.
The wood is fine-grained and good for carving. It is frequently used for kitchenware such as chopping boards, ladles and spoons because the wood doesn’t interfere with the taste of food. Historically, the timber was used for many small items including violins and as a veneer for furniture.
What does a Sycamore tree need?
If a Sycamore isn’t the right choice for your space, here are some alternatives:
Rowan, also called Mountain Ash – beautiful small trees suitable for domestic gardens and smaller spaces (but no good for pots/containers). Clusters of white flowers followed by colourful berries (white, pink, red, orange or yellow depending on variety). Flowers are good for pollinating insects and berries are good for birds. In Scottish folklore, Rowan is considered protective, and Rowan trees were often planted at the gateway to a house to ward off evil. Good varieties include Sorbus vilmorinii ‘Pink Charm,’ Sorbus ‘Wisley Gold’ and Sorbus aucuparia ‘Aspleniifolia.’
Crab Apple – very useful and attractive trees for smaller spaces. Beautiful pale pink blossom in spring followed by small (sour) ornamental fruits in late summer/autumn. Bees love the flowers and birds love the fruit. Many varieties are available, ‘Butterball,’ ‘Evereste’ and ‘Red Sentinel’ are some of the best.
Hawthorn – a traditional hedgerow plant, Hawthorn is sturdy and long-lived. If allowed to grow into a small tree it has smooth bark and drooping branches. Clusters of white or pink flowers in spring, followed by deep red berries (haws) in late summer/autumn. Birds like blackbirds and thrushes love feeding on the berries. Lots of folklore is attached to Hawthorn. If you want something with showy flowers but no berries, try the variety ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ which has deep pink, double flowers.
Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ – a miniature cherry tree suitable for the smallest gardens. It can also be grown in a large pot, so good for patio gardens, yards and even balconies. It rarely bears fruit, but it has the most beautiful pale pink flowers in early spring and lovely leaf-colour in the autumn. Very hardy, it can even flower in snowy weather!
Complete the application form before 23:59 on 25 October 2024. The 49 successful applicants will be announced during National Tree Week which runs from 23 November - 1 December 2024.
Artist Shona Branigan has created a fingerprint of the Sycamore Gap tree. The prints - five in total - form the exhibition 'Heartwood ' and honour the felled tree and the feelings and memories of those who connected with it.
A year after the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree which formerly stood proudly in the gap, towering above Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority are today (Friday 27 September) revealing more details about the legacy of the tree – and its plans for how hope will prevail in the face of tragedy.
The National Trust has this morning (Friday 27 September) announced more details to help inspire people and communities to apply for one of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ – grown from seed from the sycamore gap tree which formerly stood proudly in the gap, towering above Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, until it was illegally felled, one year ago.
The National Trust are taking the next steps in the story of the Sycamore Gap tree.
In this episode, join gardener Heather Birkett as she explores the significance of this beloved landmark, the aftermath of its loss and the community’s efforts to preserve its memory.