SAPLINGS from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree that was felled last year will find new homes in six areas of Wales – including Powys.

Wales’ three national parks – including the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) – as well as three other communities across the nation will receive a sapling to cultivate, enabling more people to feel part of the tree’s legacy.

All the new homes for the saplings are publicly accessible, with recipients in Wales including all three of the country’s national parks – the Beacons, in the south of Powys; Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Gower College Swansea, the Better Life Appeal in Cardiff and Rhiwbina Primary School, also in Cardiff, are three of 49 recipients of the ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling.

One sapling will be planted at a location in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park.One sapling will be planted at a location in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park. (Image: Alan Hughes/Geograph)

The big reveal in National Tree Week (November 23-December 1) follows the National Trust’s invitation on the anniversary of the felling of the much-loved tree at the end of September for applications for one of the saplings – possible because of seedlings thrown up from the tree’s stump.

Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings, which are currently being cared for by the conservation charity’s Plant Conservation Centre. They should be strong and sturdy enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26.

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.

OTHER NEWS:

“They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the UK, 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 next year.”

As part of the Trees of Hope initiative, all 15 UK national parks will receive a sapling – which will find new homes in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK.

A sapling was ceremonially presented to all national parks by Sarah Pemberton, assistant director of operations for the National Trust in the north east, at the UK National Parks Conference in Newcastle in September.

Each national park took away a promise allocating them one of the saplings, which will be distributed by the National Trust when the young trees are hardy enough to be planted out.

Sycamore Gap is renowned for being the UK's most famous tree. Sycamore Gap is renowned for being the UK's most famous tree. (Image: The National Trust (Ian Millar))

Sycamore Gap

The Sycamore Gap tree or ‘Robin Hood tree’ was thought to have been over 150-years-old, and was located next to Hadrian's Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England.

Standing in a dramatic dip in the landscape created by glacial meltwater, it was one of the country's most photographed trees.

The tree was felled in the early hours of September 28, 2023. The Northumberland National Park Authority said they believed it was done deliberately and Northumbria Police described the felling of the tree as “a deliberate act of vandalism”.

In May, two men were charged with criminal damage, both to the tree and to Hadrian's Wall. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, entered not guilty pleas. A 10-day trial is due to commence on December 3 at Newcastle Crown Court.