Sycamore Gap trees saplings planted across the North East
Two more of the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree's saplings have been planted in the North East today
Two more of the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree's saplings have been planted in the North East today.
One of the saplings was given to Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) who held a ceremony to mark the planting of the sapling at the Trust’s Sycamore Unit at Northgate Park in Morpeth.
Chief Executive James Duncan and Dennis Davison, Associate Director for Secure Care Services, were joined by staff and patients at the site.
The National Trust’s Trees of Hope initiative is the symbolic planting of 49 saplings grown from seeds from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree after it was illegally felled in 2023.
There are 49 saplings, one for each foot of the original tree’s height.
The National Trust received nearly 500 applications for the saplings. The selected recipients include community groups, charities and public organisations.
CNTW has named its tree Sycamore Spirit, which was voted for by staff. It will stand as a lasting symbol of hope, renewal and a shared connection to nature.
James Duncan opened the event. He said: “We are honoured to have been chosen to receive one of the Trees of Hope saplings.
“We all know nature plays a huge role in supporting mental health and wellbeing. It feels really special that it has found a home here at our Sycamore Unit, a place dedicated to care, recovery and a sense of belonging.”
Dennis Davison then had the task of planting the tree in the ground.
Recovery and Engagement Lead Lynn Williams also read a poem written by a patient.
The sapling represents hope for patients on their recovery journey, as well as offering a tranquil, natural space.
There are plans for the area around the tree to be developed and transformed into a peaceful, reflective space with the involvement of patients, carers and staff.
Meanwhile, North Tyneside Council has proudly planted its ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap sapling at Rising Sun Country Park, creating a permanent place of reflection and remembrance for the community.
The sapling, named ‘Síoraí’ - meaning eternal or everlasting - now stands in the grounds of the park’s visitor centre overlooking the pond. As one of North Tyneside’s most loved green spaces, the park provides a fitting setting for the tree to grow and flourish at the heart of the community.
The planting forms part of the national ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative, established following the loss of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. Saplings grown from its seeds have been gifted to communities across the UK as symbols of resilience, renewal and hope.
The project has been delivered in partnership with Cath Darling and the Trees of Hope Steering Group, who have worked closely with the Council to bring the sapling to North Tyneside and help shape a meaningful space for remembrance and reflection that will serve the community for years to come.
Families, residents and council representatives gathered for the ceremony, which began inside the visitor centre before moving to the planting site. Guests heard about the story of the original Sycamore Gap tree and the significance of the saplings being shared nationwide.
During the ceremony, children and families were invited to take part in the planting itself, helping to add soil around the roots. A short speech reflected on the tree’s deeper meaning as both a legacy for loved ones who have been lost and a living symbol of strength and togetherness.
The morning concluded with indoor craft activities and a book reading for younger visitors, offering families time to reflect and connect in a welcoming and supportive space.
Cllr Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and the Climate Emergency at North Tyneside Council, said: “The planting of ‘Síoraí’ at Rising Sun Country Park marks an important and meaningful moment for North Tyneside. As one of the Sycamore Gap ‘Trees of Hope’, it stands as a symbol of remembrance, resilience and renewal.
“We are proud to have worked alongside Cath and the Trees of Hope Steering Group to create a space that will offer comfort and reflection for our community for many years to come.”
As ‘Síoraí’ grows, it will stand as a living tribute within one of North Tyneside’s treasured green spaces, somewhere people can pause, reflect and feel connected to both nature and one another for many years to come.