St Joseph’s Hospice to receive ‘Tree of Hope’ sycamore sapling from the National Trust

The National Trust has announced St. Joseph’s Hospice in Thornton, Merseyside, as one of the recipients of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK.

The big reveal in National Tree Week follows the charity’s invitation on the anniversary of the felling of the much-loved tree at the end of September for applications for one of the saplings grown from its seed. 

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, and they should be strong and sturdy enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26.

The new homes for the saplings will all be in publicly accessible spaces, enabling many more people to feel part of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy with recipients from all across the UK.

St. Joseph’s Hospice applied for one of the saplings because it symbolises hope and fits with the hospice’s philosophy of ‘bringing life into people’s days’. The hospice sits within 12 acres of woodland, which it encourages its local community to share as a place of comfort, peace and reflection, so it is an ideal location for one for the Trees of Hope.

Mike Parr, Chief Executive of St. Joseph’s Hospice, said:

“Like many people, I was devastated to hear about the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. Having spent many happy times there myself, including on several Hadrian’s Wall charity walks, this is a small piece of history and it is a real honour and privilege to have one of its saplings here at the hospice as a symbol of hope and life for our community.

“Our woodland provides local families with a great deal of comfort and our Tree of Hope will take pride of place right at the front of our main reception area, in an area filled with daffodil bulbs, so that everyone visiting the hospice and walking in our woodland will be able to enjoy watching it grow.”

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 next year.”

The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens.

Catherine commented:

“The Sycamore is one of the most architecturally beautiful trees in our landscape. In summer, their dark green leaves create a canopy that looks almost like broccoli, while in winter, they create a silhouette that perfectly depicts what we think of when we think of a tree.

“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.

“The stories have come from every corner of the UK and every walk of life.  Their words reflect the hope and kindness that human beings are capable of, which feels like such a fitting response to the loss of this precious tree.”

Find out more about St Joseph’s Hospice here.

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