Beloved sycamore gap tree lives on as 49 “trees of hope” take root across britain

More than a year after the shocking illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, its legacy is sprouting new life across the United Kingdom. The National Trust has begun an ambitious project to plant 49 saplings grown from the beloved tree, transforming a story of senseless destruction into one of renewal and hope.

The saplings, aptly named “trees of hope,” will find new homes in locations that carry deep meaning for British communities. These include sites of historical trauma and healing—from areas affected by mining disasters to towns still recovering from the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and places that have become international symbols of peace, protest, and feminism. Each location was carefully chosen to honor the tree’s role as a symbol of resilience and natural beauty.

The original Sycamore Gap tree stood for nearly 300 years along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, becoming one of England’s most photographed trees after appearing in the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Its illegal felling in September 2023 sparked national outrage and grief, with many describing the act as an attack on Britain’s natural heritage.

Now, through this innovative conservation effort, the National Trust is ensuring that the tree’s genetic legacy will continue to inspire future generations. As these saplings grow into mature trees over the coming decades, they will serve as living monuments to both the original sycamore’s enduring spirit and the power of communities to turn tragedy into hope. The planting initiative represents not just environmental restoration, but a powerful symbol of how nature—and human determination—can triumph over destruction.