Sycamore Gap legacy to grow across all UK National Parks
Iconic tree's saplings to be planted in each National Park in partnership with the National Trust
The iconic Sycamore Gap tree, once a familiar sight beside Hadrian's Wall, is set to live on through its saplings, which will be planted across all 15 UK National Parks.
This initiative, a collaboration between the National Parks and the National Trust, will see these seedlings rooted in protected landscapes across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Each young tree has been cultivated from the original Sycamore Gap tree, preserving its story through landscapes maintained by National Park Authority teams in collaboration with local communities and partners.
The first plantings are scheduled to take place in Northumberland, Eryri (Snowdonia), and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Parks, representing the shared legacy across the UK.
For many, losing the Sycamore Gap tree was an emotional moment, severing a connection to cherished landscapes.
These new plantings aim to restore those bonds, offering a means to honour a landmark that guided visitors through memories and places.
While the original tree cannot be replaced, its legacy will endure through these plantings for future generations.
As part of the initiative, prominent figures from National Parks and the National Trust have expressed their support for the project:
Tony Gates, Chief Executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, said:
“For 70 years, Northumberland National Park Authority has been connecting people with the special places in our care. The Sycamore Gap tree stood beside Hadrian’s Wall as a powerful reminder of how important that connection to nature and heritage is for people’s wellbeing. It was more than a tree; it was a landmark where memories were made and cherished, and its loss was felt far beyond the North East. Seeing its legacy grow in National Parks across the UK is a reminder that landscapes connect us all, and that even after damage and loss, nature can recover and endure.”
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said:
“The planting of the Sycamore Gap saplings across our 15 National Parks represents an inspiring symbol of hope. It sends a message that even from the most destructive of actions, nature has the ability to recover and flourish when we properly take care of it. The planting of the sapling at Benmore Gardens in the National Park ensures the public will be able to connect with its powerful story and legacy.”
Jonathan Cawley, Chief Executive of Eryri National Park, said:
“As Eryri marks 75 years as a National Park, it feels particularly meaningful to plant a cutting from such an iconic tree. It is a reminder that conservation is always about the future and the landscapes we leave for the next generation. Planting it at Yr Ysgwrn, a culturally important centre, is particularly poignant, as it serves not only as a symbol of reflection but also of renewal and the enduring connection between people and place.”
Mike Innerdale, Regional Director for North England at the National Trust said:
“These saplings ensure the story of the Sycamore Gap tree continues to inspire people across the country. Working with National Parks to share this legacy means new generations will see its story grow in some of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.”
Planting will continue across all National Parks over the coming months, with specific sites chosen to ensure the young trees thrive.
These trees will symbolize nature's resilience and the shared duty to preserve the landscapes shaping the nation.
From one iconic tree to fifteen, the Sycamore Gap tree's legacy will flourish across the UK's National Parks.