
A Cumbrian organisation has been gifted a sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap tree.
Workington’s Moorclose Community Centre and its South Workington Youth Partnership was among 49 recipients across the UK to be given a sapling.
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has also been gifted a sapling.
Nearly 500 applications were received for the saplings after the trust announced plans to gift the trees of hope to organisations, groups and individuals across the UK earlier this year.
The 49 saplings were all grown from seeds recovered from the iconic tree, which was illegally felled last September. The number of saplings given out also represent the trees height in feet.
The Sycamore Gap tree was over 150 years old and was so well loved that its felling made headlines and caused outrage and distress across the world.
Each sapling will be planted in a publicly accessible space in a bid to allow as many people as possible to feel part of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy.
The saplings are currently being cared for at the charity’s Plant Conservation Centre, and they should be strong and sturdy enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26.
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.”

Moorclose Community Centre is used by local groups and services and also runs a community food pantry.
The centre said its gardening group will be looking after the sapling once it arrives at its new home.
The organisation added: “We are honoured and humbled to be one of the 49 recipients of these precious saplings. Our little gardening group is a little nervous, but very much up to the challenge.
“In the new year a competition will be opened for a name for our sapling of hope, but there must be a reason why you’ve picked that name. This will give us lots to consider and help with the choosing.”
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest mental health and disability trusts in England.
It provides mental health, learning disability and neurological care for people across the north of England as well as some national specialist services.
James Duncan, chief executive at the trust, said: “We are honoured to receive a sapling from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which has meant so much to so many people.
“We understand the importance of nature in supporting mental health and wellbeing and also recognise this tree’s importance and symbolism across our communities.
“We are proud to give this sapling a home where it can be a beacon of hope, resilience and recovery for years to come.”
The trust’s sapling will be planted at its Sycamore Unit at Northgate Park in Morpeth.
The unit opened in November last year and is a secure facility for men with mental illness, learning disabilities, or personality disorders.
Entries for the saplings were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens.
Catherine 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 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.”