Sycamore Gap saplings to spread ‘hope’ across UK

Saplings from the felled Sycamore Gap tree are being given to charities, groups and individuals as “trees of hope”.

A charity set up to remember murdered schoolgirl Holly Newton in Hexham, Northumberland, and The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds are among 49 recipients across the UK.

Each sapling represents a foot in height of the tree, which stood in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall and was cut down in September 2023.

They are being cared for by the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre, and will be ready to plant out next winter.

The charity invited organisations or individuals to bid for a sapling and had nearly 500 applications.

The charity’s Andrew Poad said it was “a privilege to read them”.

“They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration and each told heartfelt stories of people’s connection to the tree and the importance of nature,” he said.

The saplings’ new homes will all be publicly accessible.

Catherine Nuttgens, an arboriculture specialist who led the judging, said: “The destruction of the Sycamore Gap felt so utterly senseless, but this trees of hope initiative has kept that sense of joy alive.”

One sapling will be planted in memory of Holly Newton, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Logan MacPhail on 15 January 2023, when she was 15.

Her parents have set up a charity, Holly’s Hope, to raise awareness of the warning signs young people should look out for when experiencing their first relationships.

Mother Micala Trussler said: ”This tree of hope will be symbol for everyone that knew her, to reflect and to remember how amazing she was.

“It will also inspire and help us push forward with helping other young people, and to bring about positive change and action to help protect anyone who may find themselves at risk.”

Another sapling will go to The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital, Leeds, when it opens in memory of the former Leeds Rhino player, who died from the disease in June.

His wife Lindsey Burrow said: “At our centre’s core is a garden, an area for reflection and hope, which we hope will provide comfort for families facing such a dreadful diagnosis.”