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Sycamore Gap ‘Trees of Hope’ sapling will be planted in Newbury




One of just 49 saplings grown from the Sycamore Gap tree, will be planted in Newbury.

The Greener Greenham Group has been named by the National Trust as one of the recipients of a ‘Tree of Hope’ sapling.

A sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap tree will be planted in Newbury
A sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap tree will be planted in Newbury

The charity had invited individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK to apply for one of the trees, on the anniversary of the felling of the much-loved tree at the end of September.

Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time it was felled.

It is expected that the saplings, which are currently being tended to at the trust’s Plant Conservation Centre, will be ready for planting next winter.

The Tree of Hope will be planted near the control tower on Greenham Common.

The Sycamore Gap sapling will be planted at Greenham Common
The Sycamore Gap sapling will be planted at Greenham Common

A spokesperson for Greener Greenham said: “This location seemed appropriate with its historical association with war and weapons of mass destruction followed, after 30 years of intense effort, by its regeneration into a 150 acre site where nature thrives, commoners graze their cattle and the people of Newbury enjoy many different forms of recreation. Greenham Common is itself a symbol of hope.

“The control tower café and community space are well used so that many people will be able to enjoy the growing Sycamore Gap sapling with its own story of regeneration and hope – for nature, our environment and for peace.”

Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties, said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature.

“They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it’s been a privilege to read them all.

“The tree meant so much to so many and through the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come.

“Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling next year.”

The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens.

She said: “The Sycamore is one of the most architecturally beautiful trees in our landscape. In summer, their dark green leaves create a canopy that looks almost like broccoli, while in winter, they create a silhouette that perfectly depicts what we think of when we think of a tree.

The Sycamore Gap sapling will be planted at Greenham Common
The Sycamore Gap sapling will be planted at Greenham Common

“The loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions - none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree. Its destruction felt utterly senseless, destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons.

“But the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications but a difficult task to select the final 49 recipients.

“The stories have come from every corner of the UK and every walk of life. Their words reflect the hope and kindness that human beings are capable of, which feels like such a fitting response to the loss of this precious tree.”

The Greener Greenham Group, which applied for the sapling, is a group of neighbours who joined together in 2019 to improve the local area by planting trees, hedges and spring bulbs and maintaining flower borders and pots.

It has planted nearly 100 trees, thousands of bulbs and is nurturing two new wildlife hedges.

To find out more about the group you can visit www.greenergreenhamgroup.org.uk.

Other places to receive a sapling include The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds.



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