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Sycamore Gap tree saplings planted
The first of 49 saplings gifted to people after the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree are being planted across the UK.
The saplings were given to individuals and community organisations following our ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative, which was launched in September 2024 to create a legacy for the Sycamore Gap tree.
The tree had stood in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for more than 120 years before it was illegally cut down in September 2023.
We grew the saplings from seeds collected from the original sycamore and have been nurturing them at our Plant Conservation Centre for the last two years. They now stand between 4 and 6 feet tall and are strong enough to be planted outdoors.
“These 49 saplings are ready to become a source of inspiration, a place to reflect, a home for nature or simply a reminder that there are always good things worth fighting for, even after something so senseless.”
A quote by Hilary McGradyNational Trust Director-General
Heartfelt stories from across the UK
Almost 500 different groups and individuals applied for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot of the tree's height when it was felled. Every application told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature. They were reviewed by a panel of experts, who said it had been a privilege to read them all.
Those selected to receive a sapling include The Tree Sanctuary in Coventry, a project to rescue the city’s trees; a site commemorating the Minnie Pit mining disaster in Staffordshire; and Greenham Common in Berkshire, which reopened to the public in 2000 following decades of military use.
“Planting the sapling gives us a great opportunity to connect more people, especially young people, to nature. It will serve as a beacon to inspire respect, understanding and a sense of responsibility toward all trees.”
A quote by Martina IrwinCo-founder, The Tree Sanctuary, Coventry
Legacy
We want as many people as possible to feel part of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy, so all the saplings will be planted in publicly accessible spaces. These locations include The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, Hexham General Hospital in Northumberland and a veterans’ charity, Veterans in Crisis, in Sunderland.
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