Sycamore Gap sapling planted at Danby Lodge National Park Centre
The tree, grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree, has been planted in the North York Moors as part of the National Trust’s Tree of Hope initiative.
A sapling grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Danby Lodge National Park Centre, near Whitby.
The tree has been gifted by the National Trust and is part of a nationwide effort to ensure the legacy of the much-loved Sycamore Gap tree lives on.
The planting comes during the 50th anniversary year of Danby Lodge National Park Centre.
The sapling forms part of the Tree of Hope initiative, which was announced in 2024.
A total of 49 descendants of the original Sycamore Gap tree are set to be planted in publicly accessible locations across the UK, including all 15 of the UK’s National Parks.
Other saplings have already been planted in Northumberland National Park, home to the original Sycamore Gap tree, as well as Eryri National Park and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
The North York Moors sapling was planted by the National Park’s Woodland Operations Team, including trainee Joseph Roxby.
Joseph said: “It was such a great shame when the original Sycamore Gap tree was vandalised.
“I feel honoured to see this small piece of history come to Danby and proud to play a part in the ongoing story of such an iconic tree.”
The National Park Authority’s Woodland Operations Team works throughout the year to create and care for woodland and wood pasture habitats.
Their work supports nature recovery across the North York Moors and reflects a long-term commitment to restoring landscapes and building resilience for future generations.
The planting is also a significant moment for Danby Lodge National Park Centre, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year.
The centre has connected visitors with the North York Moors for half a century, welcoming people to experience nature, countryside, heritage and the great outdoors.
The new sycamore sapling has been planted in a prominent location alongside an accessible path, ensuring visitors can see and appreciate it throughout the year.
A permanent plaque will also be installed beside the tree, helping visitors understand its story and significance.
The North York Moors National Park was created on 28 November 1952, becoming Britain’s sixth national park.
It covers 554 square miles, or 1,436 square kilometres, and includes 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and more than 3,000 listed buildings.
The National Park attracts an estimated 9.03 million visitors each year.
Danby Lodge is one of two National Park visitor centres, alongside Sutton Bank National Park Centre.