Sapling from Sycamore Gap planted in city park

A sapling from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree that was illegally cut down, sparking international outrage, has been planted by young people in Bath.

The world-famous tree stood at Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland until it was felled in 2023, now one of its saplings has found a new home in Alice Park.

The rare sapling, grown by the National Trust from the seed of the felled tree, is one of 49 gifted to communities all around the UK.

Named 'Tree of Life', it has been dedicated to children and young people living in care, who planted it themselves on 21 February.

Last year, two men were jailed for chopping down the Sycamore Gap tree, which prompted an outpouring of anger and disbelief.

Alice Park Trust successfully applied for one of the saplings to be planted in the park.

Members of the mental health and well-being charity Off the Record helped organise the planting of the sapling.

"The event at Alice park was shaped by what some of our young people wanted the day to look like... It was a great celebration with a great atmosphere," said Charlotte Egmore James from the charity.

"We try to empower our young people to share their views and ideas, to build connections with each other, grow in confidence and have fun whilst trying new things."

Jack, 24, who used to be in care, said: "My life fell apart tragically just like that tree getting chopped down."

He added that the support he'd received over the years had allowed him to "grow into the person I wanted to be".

"I'm really grateful that this tree is in memory and in support of care experienced young people and children."

Councillor Joanna Wright, who chairs the Alice Park Trust, said she was "delighted" that the sapling has been planted in the park, which "creates a vision for hope and regeneration".

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