Skip to content

Sycamore Gap sapling planted as symbol of renewal

Nicola Haseler,in Milton Keynesand
Louise Parry
News imageOwen Humphreys/PA Media A stunning night-time shot of the Sycamore gap tree, which is set against a sky filled with the Northern Lights. The tree sits in a dip between two hills and appears to be without leaves, so you can see the branches. The tree and hills are black against the green light, which merges into purple higher up. The purple part of the sky is full of stars.Owen Humphreys/PA Media
The Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland made for iconic photos before it was illegally felled

A sapling of the felled Sycamore Gap tree has been planted on the outskirts of a city as "a symbol of renewal and connection to the natural world".

The young tree – one of 49 distributed across the UK by the National Trust – was put into the ground at Stanton Low Park in Milton Keynes on Friday.

The Sycamore Gap had stood near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland for more than 100 years before it was illegally cut down.

Victoria Miles, chief executive of the Parks Trust, believed the perfect spot had been found for the tree's next chapter of life.

She said: "That's what the Parks Trust is about, to protect nature, lakes and green spaces.

"We want to create and develop beautiful places for the people of Milton Keynes, now and forever."

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC A group of about 16 people stand around the newly planted sapling, which has a protective plastic tube around it and a black label explaining what it is. The people wear winter coats and wellies or boots and smile at the camera. A lady wearing a red coat holds a silver and wooden spade with a pile of soil on it. Nicola Haseler/BBC
Dignitaries including the high sheriff and lord lieutenant of Buckinghamshire attended the planting

The 49 sprigs, distributed through the National Trust's Tree of Hope scheme, each represented 1ft (30cm) of the old tree's height.

Famous around the world for its position between the hills, there was shock and outrage when the Sycamore Gap was axed in September 2023.

Daniel Michael Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both from Cumbria, were jailed in July 2025 for chopping down the tree - which was considered an irreplaceable landmark.

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC Victoria Miles smiles at the camera, standing next to the sapling which is barely visible against the brown grass and brown footpath behind it. She wears a Parks Trust black anorak over a green rangers fleece, and a matching green Parks Trust beanie hat. Behind her is grassland and short bare trees dotted around. The sky is cloudy and leaden.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Victoria Miles said the Park Trust's "passionate and experienced rangers" would nurture the tree "and watch it grow"

The Parks Trust charity said: "We have chosen Stanton Low Park, set in the surroundings of the River Great Ouse, due to its rich heritage and scenic landscapes.

"The planting will serve as a symbol of renewal and connection to the natural world, offering a place for reflection and celebration for our community."

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC A close up of the newly planted sapling, with a black rectangular card hung around it. The National Trust logo is in the top left. The sign reads: "The Parks Trust / A Tree of Hope / grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree". There are a few buds coming out of the branches.Nicola Haseler/BBC
The tree will be protected by a fence and landscape teams will ward off rival shrubs

Miles pointed out the site was historical, featuring the 12th Century St Peter's Church at the bottom of the valley.

"The park is also a real haven for wildlife and biodiversity. We have lots of wildflower meadows," she added.

"I think the tree will become really established. I'm hopeful it will grow to 49ft (15m), like the original."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links
More from the BBC