News story

First Sycamore Gap sapling planted in Northumberland

The first Sycamore Gap sapling to be planted in Northumberland has been planted at Hexham General Hospital.

On the morning of Wednesday 26 November, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held a ceremony to mark the planting of the Sycamore Gap sapling. With staff and volunteers from the trust coming along to celebrate this new beginning and have a moment of personal reflection.

Sycamore Gap was illegally felled in September 2023, which created shock across the region and to preserve its legacy, saplings were collected from the fallen tree. Through the National Trust’s ‘Trees of Hope’ programme, 49 saplings were awarded to organisations and individuals across the country who have had a significant positive impact on their community.

The trust was one of over 500 applicants and at the end of 2024 was announced as one of the recipients.

Damon Kent, managing director of Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management, planted the sapling and said: “Sycamore Gap is an important part of Northumberland’s heritage so we’re glad to have received a sapling so that the tree’s legacy can remain in its home county. Many of our staff, patients and visitors have fond memories of Sycamore Gap so it was deeply felt throughout the community when it was felled.

“A hospital is a place of hope so by planting the sapling here, we hope that people can see it is as a symbol of positivity and use it for personal reflection.”

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “It’s incredible to think that the first “offspring” of this very famous tree are now being planted – it feels like just yesterday that those tentative first shoots appeared. Over the next couple of years, the saplings will really start to take shape, and because sycamores are so hardy, we’re confident they’ll be able to withstand a range of conditions.  

“To be able to keep the story of the Sycamore Gap alive in all four corners of the UK and in so many different settings is a fitting tribute, and we hope that, just like the original tree, these young saplings will touch many people’s lives.”  

Media contact

Louise Alexander, social media and digital assistant

Louise.Alexander@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk