Saplings of hope to be planted across the UK

THE first of the Sycamore Gap ‘Trees of Hope’ are set to be planted this national tree week, the National Trust says.

- DANIEL HALL

The Sycamore Gap tree

Forty nine saplings, measuring between four and six feet tall, have been gifted to organisations across the UK, nine of which are in the North East.

Among the first places to plant a “tree of hope” will be the North East Autism Society (NEAS), which is planting a tree at its New Warlands Farm training centre in Durham on Monday. Bosses say the sapling represents wellbeing and community and offers a serene space for reflection.

John Phillipson, chief executive of the NEAS said: “The planting of the Sycamore Gap sapling as a ‘Tree of Hope’ could not be more symbolic because New Warlands Farm will be a place where autistic people can grow and be given hope of a fulfilling future.”

Later in the week, a sapling will take root at Hexham General Hospital, where it is expected to become a symbol of recovery.