Sycamore Gap ‘offsprings’ planted across UK today

It was a beloved natural landmark in Northumberland that inspired poets and filmmakers which came to a brutal end in 2023.

But the Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrian’s Wall was illegally chopped down by two men sparking national outrage from nature lovers and the local community.

The iconic tree has now found a remarkable new life.

This weekend, saplings rescued from the felled tree are being planted across the country by the National Trust.

The charity, which manages the site, said the project hopes to ‘touch many people’s lives’.

Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust, said: ‘It was the quick thinking of our conservationists in the aftermath of the felling that has allowed the Sycamore Gap tree to live on.

‘The team has cared for these 49 hopeful saplings beautifully and they’re now ready to be given to communities, where they’ll 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.

‘We’re looking forward to seeing them thrive.’

Adam Carruthers, 32, and Daniel Graham, 39, struck down the 200-year-old popular attraction on September 28, 2023, leaving the stump behind.

At Newcastle Crown Court it was heard that the pair drove 40 minutes in the night to cut the historic tree down, which took 2 minutes and 41 seconds. The duo thought it would be ‘a bit of a laugh’ to fell the tree.

In July they were jailed for more than four years for two counts of criminal damage, one to the tree and the other for damaging Hadrian’s Wall in the process.

As part of the Tree of Hope scheme, seeds taken from the tree have grown into 49 saplings, representing each foot of the original mighty sycamore, at a high security, secret greenhouse in Devon.

This weekend they are now putting down roots at symbolic and community-focused sites including Greenham Common, Berkshire, a tree sanctuary set up by teenagers in Coventry, and a former mining site in Staffordshire.

More baby sycamores will go into the ground next week outside hospitals in Leeds and Northumberland and a charity for war veterans in Sunderland.

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties, said: ‘It’s incredible to think that this weekend the first “offspring” of this very famous tree will be planted – it feels like just yesterday that those tentative first shoots appeared.

‘Over the next couple of years, the saplings will really start to take shape, and because sycamores are so hardy, we’re confident they’ll be able to withstand a range of conditions.’

The first sapling grown from the Sycamore Gap tree was presented to the King last summer, and it will be planted on behalf of the nation at a later date.

Early next month, a sapling gifted to Henshaw Church of England Primary School, the nearest school to Sycamore Gap, will be planted on its grounds.

Meanwhile a further 15 more young trees are set to be placed across the UK’s National Parks, including Northumberland National Park, the site of the original landmark, with those plantings planned for early 2026.

Martina Irwin, a co-founder of the Tree Sanctuary, said: ‘Planting the sapling today will be really special and gives us a great opportunity to connect even more people, especially young people, to nature.

‘We’ve chosen to plant it among some other ‘saved’ trees that we have planted on Sowe Common, serving as a beacon to inspire respect, understanding, and a sense of responsibility toward all trees.’

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