Hospice to receive sapling from famous Sycamore Gap tree

Treetops Hospice is set to receive a sapling from the famous Sycamore Gap tree as part of a nationwide initiative.

The National Trust has confirmed that the end-of-life charity is among 49 individuals, groups and organisations across the UK who will be gifted a ‘Trees of Hope’ sapling.

The saplings have been grown from seed from the Sycamore Gap tree, which formerly stood in the gap above Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, until it was illegally felled last September.

The Risley hospice was selected out of almost 500 applications to receive one, which it plans to plant in its 12.5-acre grounds.

Julie Heath, chief executive at Treetops, said: “It’s a real honour for us to have been chosen to receive one of the ‘Trees of Hope’ to plant here at Treetops.

“Our grounds and gardens are incredibly important to us and play a vital role in the wellbeing of hundreds of our patients and counselling clients every year.”

Trees of Hope involves 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling.

The saplings are currently being cared for at the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre.

It is estimated that they should be strong enough to plant in winter 2025/26.

Julie said: “Our grounds are also open to the general public, and we hope they will visit the sapling when it is planted here next year.”

Treetops Hospice provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, and their families.

Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties, said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature.

“They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it’s been a privilege to read them all.

“The tree meant so much to so many and through the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come.

“Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling.”

The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens.

She said: “The loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions – none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree.

“Its destruction felt utterly senseless, destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons.

“But the ‘Trees of Hope initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications but a difficult task to select the final 49 recipients.

“The stories have come from every corner of the UK and every walk of life.

“Their words reflect the hope and kindness that human beings are capable of, which feels like such a fitting response to the loss of this precious tree.”