Next steps for the Sycamore Gap tree

We were shocked and saddened when the famous Sycamore Gap Tree, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort, was felled in an act of vandalism in September 2023.

We know we share these feelings with thousands, if not millions, of people around the world who felt a special connection with the tree and its landscape. 

The response to the felling of the tree over the past year has been overwhelming, and we are grateful for the thousands of ideas, offers of help and tributes we've received. It is clear this tree was special to many, many people.  Thank you to everyone who got in touch. 

Trees of Hope

Over the last year, the organisations have read each message, social media tribute, and on-site memorial received from the public. 

Building on public feedback, the organisations have created a series of initiatives designed to mark the legacy of the tree and engage communities at a local and national level.

We're delighted announce the opportunity for people to request one of the Sycamore Gap saplings in our Trees of Hope initiative.

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 a publicly accessible spaces, which have emotional connections with people and communities.

You can find out more, including how to apply for one of the 49 saplings here

Signs of life

We are delighted that Sycamore Gap is showing signs of regrowth. Growing from the base of the stump, 25  new shoots have emerged giving hope that the tree lives on. 

While it’s early days, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority is hopeful that if left to grow, the new shoots could develop significant new growth to form as ‘new’ trees around the original stump. 

Our aim is to leave all of the shoots to grow for a few years – to see how they develop.  In time we’ll be able to decide how to manage the tree – as a coppiced stool or considering whether to reduce to a single tree at some point in the future. We’ll also do what we can to protect the root zone, and to avoid any compaction. 

The next few months are vitally important for the success of these shoots forming into the reinvigorated tree.  We respectfully ask that any visitors to the site keep away from the stump and to not touch the shoots. 

The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority will continue to monitor the growth of the shoots and have fenced the site to ensure the tree roots are protected. 

 

Donate today

We have launched a fundraising appeal for donations to commemorate the Sycamore Gap tree, an iconic landmark in the Northumberland landscape for nearly 200 years. 
 

We can’t directly replace this much-loved tree, but your donation will enable us to create a fitting tribute to sycamore gap by:

• Protecting and conserving this renowned World Heritage Site andscape for future generations
• Restoring and enhancing our woodlands for people and nature in Northumberland, by planting new
   

Please consider donating to our work at Hadrian’s Wall. Working with Northumberland National Park, Historic England and Hadrian’s Wall Partnership, your donation will help support our ongoing nature conservation work in the area. nationaltrust.org.uk/hadrians-wall-appeal