The first saplings grown from the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree will be planted as part of National Tree Week, according to the National Trust. On November 22, 2023, five saplings will be planted, marking the beginning of a week-long initiative to plant more than half of the 49 “trees of hope” that originated from the iconic sycamore, which stood for over a century along Hadrian’s Wall.
The original tree was cut down in a deliberate act of vandalism in September 2023, leading to widespread public outrage and a subsequent police investigation. In a recent court ruling, individuals Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were found guilty of illegally felling the tree and received sentences exceeding four years in prison.
The 49 saplings, which reflect the height of the original tree in feet, were grown from seeds and genetic material salvaged from the felled tree. These saplings were nurtured at the National Trust’s plant conservation centre. The first planting locations include the Tree Sanctuary in Coventry, where a group of teenagers initiated a project focused on preserving urban trees. Furthermore, saplings will also be planted at sites commemorating the Minnie Pit mining disaster in Staffordshire and at the historic military base of Greenham Common in Berkshire, which reopened to the public in 2000.
Later in the week, additional saplings will be planted at various locations, including the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, Hexham General Hospital in Northumberland, and the charity Veterans in Crisis in Sunderland.
Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian’s Wall properties, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming plantings. “It’s incredible to think that this weekend, the first ‘offspring’ of this very famous tree will be planted,” he stated. “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 very first sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree has already been presented to the King and will be planted on behalf of the nation at a later date. The National Trust reported receiving over 500 applications from communities wishing to host one of the 49 saplings. Among the successful applicants is the Tree Amigos, who established their Tree Sanctuary for unwanted trees in 2023. They will plant their sapling on Sowe Common North on Saturday.
Martina Irwin, co-founder of the Tree Sanctuary, remarked on the significance of the event. “Planting the sapling today will be really special and gives us a great opportunity to connect even more people, especially young people, to nature,” she said. “We’ve chosen to plant it among some other ‘saved’ trees, serving as a beacon to inspire respect, understanding, and a sense of responsibility toward all trees.”
Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, highlighted the importance of the saplings. “It was the quick-thinking of our conservationists in the aftermath of the felling that has allowed the Sycamore Gap tree to live on,” she noted. “These 49 hopeful saplings will 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.”
In early December, an additional sapling will be planted at Henshaw Church of England Primary School, the institution closest to the original Sycamore Gap tree. Furthermore, an additional 15 saplings are scheduled to be planted in each of the UK’s national parks in early 2026, including one at the site where the original sycamore once thrived.
