Skip to content

Sycamore Gap tree sapling takes root in Manchester

Georgie Dockerand
Richard Stead,North West
PA Large tree in a dip in green hills. The sky is light blue and cloudy in the background and the tree stands tall and healthy before the felling.PA
Newton Heath, in Manchester, has become home to a sapling taken from the Sycamore Gap tree (pictured above) after it was illegally felled in 2023

More than two years after the felling of the much-loved Sycamore Gap tree, a sapling recovered from it has been planted in Manchester.

The tree near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland stood for nearly 200 years before it was illegally cut down in September 2023.

After the public outcry that ensued, the National Trust gathered seeds from the tree and grew 49 saplings to be planted around the United Kingdom, including one in Newton Heath, which was planted on Wednesday to celebrate the resident-founded nature group Easy Come, Easy Grow.

Its director Kelly Robinson said the sapling would become a living landmark and "a reminder of the community spirit and action" happening in the area.

A group of children watch as a man dressed all in black takes a sapling out of a green bag full of soil.
The sapling was planted at Scotland Hall Road Park on Wednesday with the help of local community members and schoolchildren.

"The sapling has been cultivated from the Sycamore Gap tree which sadly was felled in 2023," Linda Pittwood from the National Trust's Manchester team told BBC Radio Manchester.

"We've been cultivating saplings to continue the legacy of the tree."

"People were really devastated to see the tree cut down and we wanted to make something positive out of that," Pittwood added.

Woman with long brown curly hair wearing a purple and green beanie and a wax beige jacket. The tree stands behind her - with other people in the park in the background.
"All the saplings are symbols of resilience and hope and the importance of nature for people and communities," said the National Trust's Linda Pittwood

This community initiative comes after the first 49 saplings to be taken from the historic tree were gifted to bereaved children and adults last year.

The sapling set up behind a wooden and wire casing for support in the middle of a large green park.
The Newton Heath sapling is one of 49 'Tree of Hope' saplings - representing the 49 ft (14.9m) height of the parent tree - to have been planted in public places across different UK communities

The National Trust said it chose Newton Heath as a location as a celebration of the work carried out by ECEG - a group of Newton Heath residents who are improving nature and community through gardening, environmental education and social activities.

Young girl with long brown hair stands in the park wearing a black polo shirt.
ECEG volunteer Pippa, 14, went to witness the sapling being planted - she said she "loves being able to make the community greener".

"Planting this tree represents everything we're trying to achieve in Newton Heath: bringing people together, improving our green spaces, and creating something that will grow and thrive for years to come," Robinson added.

"We're incredibly proud of our community.

"Together with fellow residents, we've grown food, run regular activities for young people, and created safe, welcoming spaces for people to gather and connect.

"We may be labelled 'deprived', but honestly, we have one of the strongest communities in Manchester - one that truly shines when given the opportunity."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Related internet links
Related stories
Trending Now