Treetops Hospice to receive ‘Tree of Hope’

The National Trust has announced Treetops Hospice as one of the recipients of the ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK.

The 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ have been grown from seed from the Sycamore Gap tree which formerly stood in the gap above Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, until it was illegally felled last September.

Treetops will plant the sapling on its 12.5-acre grounds in Risley, Derbyshire.

Julie Heath, Treetops Chief Executive, explained how delighted the hospice is to become part of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy. Treetops is the only hospice in the East Midlands to be chosen to receive a sapling:

“It’s a real honour for us to have been chosen to receive one of the ‘Trees of Hope’ to plant here at Treetops. Our grounds and gardens are incredibly important to us and play a vital role in the wellbeing of hundreds of our patients and counselling clients every year.

“Our grounds are also open to the general public and we hope they will visit the sapling when it is planted here next year.”

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 saplings are currently being cared for at the charity’s Plant Conservation Centre. They should be strong enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26.

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said:

“Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature. They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it’s been a privilege to read them all.

“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.”

Further information, and the locations of all of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings, can be found on the National Trust website here.