Sycamore Gap tree is planted in South Downs National Park

A ‘Tree of Hope’ grown from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall has been planted in the South Downs National Park.

Community leaders gathered yesterday at a beautiful spot next to Swanbourne Lake, Arundel, to plant the tree.

The tree was grown with seeds taken from the original Sycamore Gap tree that was illegally felled in Northumberland National Park in 2023. Since then, new shoots have emerged and 49 saplings – one for each foot of the tree’s height – have been nurtured over the past two years by the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre.

Each of the UK’s 15 National Parks has been gifted a ‘tree of hope’ as symbols of nature recovery and shared stewardship for the landscape. The tree-planting ceremony yesterday coincides with the 16th anniversary of the creation of the South Downs National Park on 31st March.

The Sycamore Gap tree, which stood for more than 150 years, captured the hearts of the nation and its legacy will now grow in every National Park.

The tree in the South Downs was planted with kind permission of His Grace, the Duke of Norfolk.

His Grace said: “We are delighted to receive this historic sycamore tree and plant it by Swanbourne Lake where we hope it will be visited and enjoyed by many people for years to come.”

Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “It’s incredible to think that this beautiful tree has been grown from the Sycamore Gap tree and it just shows how nature can bounce back and recover.

“National Parks are about bringing people together and finding a connection with nature, so we are really pleased to plant this tree as we celebrate the birthday of the South Downs National Park.

“I hope this tree touches as many lives as the original Sycamore Gap tree did and spreads positivity, hope and joy.”

The Mayor of Arundel, Cllr Carolyn Kenney, said: “We are honoured that this Tree of Hope, with its rich cultural heritage, has been planted in Arundel at the gateway to the glorious landscape of the South Downs National Park.”

Image:Tree of Hope Planting in Arundel (l to r) Stephen McAuliffe, SDNPA Member, Sion McGeever. SDNPA CEO, Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of SDNPA, Bob Tanner, Arundel Tree Warden, and Cllr Carolyn Kenney, Mayor of Arundel