The Sycamore Gap tree, which lived on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was cut down in the middle of the night in September 2023. Photo Credit: John Millar/National Trust Images/PA
Environment UKHere’s How This Tree Has Become a Symbol of Hope
Saplings grown from a beloved sycamore are being planted across the United Kingdom, turning an act of loss into a nationwide symbol of renewal and hope in 2025.
“This is about ensuring that something beautiful and meaningful continues to inspire people for generations,” said Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust.
Forty-nine saplings were grown from seeds collected after the iconic tree was illegally cut down, with each young tree representing one foot of the original’s height. Planted in publicly accessible places linked to healing, peace and community resilience, including former protest sites, hospitals and memorial spaces, the initiative attracted nearly 500 applications. The project shows how conservation can transform shared grief into lasting environmental and social value, allowing a national symbol to live on in a positive and forward-looking way.
