06 December 2023 , 23:40
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The much-loved Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, which was sadly cut down in September, will "live on" as seeds and cuttings taken from it show promising signs of growth.
The National Trust and Northumberland National Park have revealed plans to grow these cuttings, thus preserving the legacy of the famous tree that stood for around 200 years. The authorities are focusing on propagation from these seeds and cuttings, which they say are showing positive signs for growth. They've also invited the public to share their photos and memories of the tree for a future exhibition.
Millions were left shocked and upset after the tree was vandalised, and donations received since then will go towards creating a fitting tribute. An official appeal for this will be announced in the New Year.
The Sycamore Gap was used as a location in the Hadrian's Wall scene from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Donations to the National Trust's Plant a Tree campaign will also help boost tree planting and support nature in the area. Meanwhile, analysis of the tree's trunk is being carried out at Historic England to provide a more accurate date for the tree.
Andy Jasper, the director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, said: "After discovering the felled tree, our teams were quickly on the scene to collect material that would enable us to propagate from the tree. This work is taking place in our specialist rare plant propagation nursery and although this wasn't really the right time of year to do this work, we are encouraged by positive signs of life, and are hopeful that over 30% of the mature seeds and half of the cuttings -scions - will be viable, which means we can hopefully grow new descendants from the tree in the future."
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He added: "Over the next year, we'll be doing all we can to nurture the seeds and cuttings, in the hope that some will grow into strong, sturdy saplings providing a new future for this much-loved tree. We are also hoping that the trunk of the original tree will regrow but it could take up to three years before we know if this is possible."
Andrew Poad, general manager of the site for the National Trust, said: "We're incredibly grateful for the many commemorative ideas we've received since the tree was felled. The creativity and thought behind some of these ideas has been inspiring and is an indication of just how important this tree was for so many people."
"Tony Gates, Chief Executive, Northumberland National Park Authority said people locally and across the world have been hugely affected by the tree's loss. "We would like to thank everyone for their patience as we work behind the scenes and take a considered approach with our partners on what the next steps will be."
People are invited to submit their photos and memories of the tree to sycamoregap@nationaltrust.org.uk with a view to hosting a future exhibition.
A teen was initially arrested by officers and bailed in connection with the felling of the tree, but Northumbria Police later said he will face no further action. A man in his 60s was arrested and two men in their 30s on suspicion of criminal damage remain on police bail.
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