Saplings from the felled Sycamore Gap tree are to be planted at special sites across the UK, spreading what has been described as “a message of hope”.

The Sycamore Gap tree was planted on historical landmark Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland 150 years ago. Standing in a dramatic dip in the landscape created by glacial meltwater, it was one of the country's most photographed trees and an emblem for the North East of England.

It was illegally felled in September 2024, prompting an outpouring of sorrow across the word. Now, through an initiative called Trees of Hope, charity the National Trust is gifting 49 saplings grown from its seeds of the sycamore to individuals, groups and organisations.

Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling.

The recipients include the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, Holly's Hope in conjunction with Hexham Abbey in Northumberland, The Tree Sanctuary and Tree Amigos in Coventry, Henshaw Church of England Primary School, the closest school to the Sycamore Gap Tree, and all 15 UK National Parks.

The National Trust says new homes for the saplings will all be in publicly accessible spaces, enabling many more people to feel part of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy

Currently, the saplings are being cared for, fed and watered, by the trust's Plant Conservation Centre, and should be strong enough to plant out in winter 2025/26.

Arboriculture specialist, Catherine Nuttgens, who sat on the Trees of Hope judging panel, said, “The loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions - none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree. Its destruction felt utterly senseless, destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons.

"But the Trees of Hope initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications but a difficult task to select the final 49 recipients."

Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties, said, “The tree meant so much to so many and through the Trees of Hope initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come.

“Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling next year.”

Brought into England from France in the Middle Ages, the sycamore can live up to 400 years. They are robust, can grow in a variety of soil types and have an extensive root system that helps reduce rainwater runoff, making it useful in flood prevention efforts.

To find out where in the UK all the 49 Tree of Hope saplings will go visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/TreesOfHope.