The Sycamore Gap Tree, illegally cut down last year, will live on through a new initiative.

The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority have announced plans to keep the memory of the tree alive, one year after it was felled.

The tree, which stood by Hadrian's Wall, was a much-loved landmark.

The National Trust has launched the 'Trees of Hope' initiative, which will see 49 saplings, each representing a foot of the felled tree's height, gifted to communities across the UK.

People can apply to plant a sapling in a public space with emotional significance.

The tree before it was felled (Image: Dave Strother) Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties, said: "In announcing our 'Trees of Hope' initiative today, we aim to find new homes in community settings across the UK so people can have the opportunity to engage with the Sycamore Gap Tree and its legacy.

"More people everywhere can feel that they are part of this story – that they are a part of this tree’s wonderful legacy, helping to create a new chapter in the life of this legendary tree."

The project also includes an exhibition at The Sill: National Landscape Recovery Centre, developed by artist Charlie Whinney.

The exhibition, titled 'Sycamore Gap: One Year On', features the largest remaining section of the tree's trunk and invites visitors to make promises to nature.

These promises will be part of a final exhibition set to open at The Sill by Easter 2025.

A seedling from the National Trust Plant Conservation Centre - where seedlings and grafted buds and shoots taken from the 'sycamore gap' tree which was cut down in September 2023 are being nurtured (Image: National Trust & James Dobson) Charlie Whinney said: "We are inviting people to make promises to nature which will find their way into the final piece of art.

"This show is the halfway part of our project, processing what happened, what the tree meant to everyone, and the wonderful regrowth which now counts at 25 new shoots."

The initiative is supported by the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, which has provided £50,000 for the project.

Rob Williamson, chief executive of the Community Foundation, said: "We are delighted that some of those donors have come to The Sill today to see the fantastic work Charlie has created, made possible by their generosity.

"They have fully funded this legacy exhibition so visitors now and in the future will be able to celebrate this north east icon."