Sycamore Gap legacy preserved in Trees of Hope initiative

Steve Blair, manager of The Twice Brewed Inn at Bardon Mill, said his initial reaction to hearing of the felling of Sycamore Gap's tree at Hadrian's Wall one year ago was 'shock' and 'disbelief'.

The tree was deliberately felled overnight from September 27 to the early morning of September 28, resulting in an ongoing court case. 

"At first we thought it had blown over in the wind because it was quite stormy. Within half an hour of initially being told, we found out it had been cut. We were really shocked and everyone who came in was in shock and disbelief," Steve said.

The felled tree at Sycamore Gap beside Hadrian’s Wall (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA) Our readers reacted to the anniversary of the felling.

Chris Dodd said: "This literally changed the identity of the area. This was an internationally recognised emblem of this area of Northumberland," while Claire Dobson said: "I'm an amateur photographer and from my point of view it has completely changed the landscape.

"The tree was a focal point for many people and meant a lot to so many. People have scattered loved ones and got engaged at the site. It was the main stopping point along that stretch of Hadrian's Wall. I'm so glad I have many photos which I took of the tree in all it's glory."

Sycamore Gap at Hadrian’s Wall (Image: Simon Bradfield)

The Twice Brewed set up a fundraiser to support the development of any future projects for preserving the legacy of Sycamore Gap and surrounding areas, which has raised more than £10,000 through donations.

To mark the first anniversary of the loss of the tree, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority have announced the launch of 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.

The Sycamore Gap tree was awarded Tree of the Year at the Woodland Trust’s awards in 2016 (Image: Ash Simpson) Steve hopes one can be planted in The Twice Brewed's beer garden.

"I think it would be fantastic having one with us being one of the main businesses here and our logo being the Sycamore Gap tree."

Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, said: “Today we’re inviting people and communities all around the UK to apply for one of the new saplings grown from this much-loved sycamore. By doing this, we hope to share a remarkable piece of living history with many more people, and help bring more nature to towns and cities for generations to come.”

Nikki Crowley, who is leading the initiative for the National Trust, said: “The 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ will be gifted to individuals and communities to plant in publicly accessible spaces, with each tree telling a story of hope, wellbeing, culture, celebration, recovery or connection with nature.”

Steve said the felling has left a lasting impact on tourists and customers visiting the pub. He said: "In the past 12 months when people have come in, even now, they are shocked and ask us if we know why it was done. The family members of people who have loved ones' ashes scattered there, have been proposed to or have family memories there are still shocked. Every day you drive past and it's still quite shocking it's not there. 

"At the end of the day, it is a tree, but it meant so much to a lot of people, especially when they have emotions or memories tied to it."

He added the location of the tree was particularly special, sitting in the heart of Roman Wall country and attracted tourists from around the world.

"It was one of the main attractions when you get to the halfway point of the Wall, you've got The Sill, ourselves, Vindolanda, and Housesteads. It was iconic for the area," Steve added.

The felling of the tree fortunately hasn't negatively impacted business for The Twice Brewed. 

"We've had another year of growth which is great, we're right next door to The Sill which is a fantastic tourism draw for the area and we're lucky to be right on the Roman Wall." 

For more information and to request a sapling, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/TreesOfHope.

The closing date for entries is October 25.