First saplings from Sycamore Gap are planted

THE first saplings grown from the Sycamore Gap tree have been planted.

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A sapling is now in the ground at Hexham General Hospital, and another at Newcastle’s West End Women and Girls Centre Community Garden.

The Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled in September 2023, creating shock across the region and beyond.

To preserve its legacy, seeds were collected from the fallen tree, and the saplings they produced carefully nurtured.

Through the National Trust's Trees of Hope programme, the saplings were awarded to organisations and individuals across the country who have had a significant positive impact on their community, with nine being planted in the North East.

The number of saplings - 49 - represents each foot in height the tree was at the time of felling.