The National Trust has announced Woodcraft Folk’s Biblins Youth Campsite 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 including The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, Holly’s Hope in conjunction with Hexham Abbey in Northumberland, and The Tree Sanctuary and Tree Amigos in Coventry.
Woodcraft Folk, one of the UK’s leading youth organisations is thrilled to be receiving one of the Sycamore Gap saplings at their Biblins Youth Campsite in Ross-on-Wye after years of empowering its young members to speak up for nature. The charity runs over 250 local groups for young people nationally. Many of these groups visit Biblins each year for camping residentials and outdoor learning activities.
Biblins is situated in mature ancient woodlands which are highly valued by visiting groups as well as members of the public who explore the numerous footpaths that weave through the site and immerse themselves in nature. The site is a perfect location for one of the saplings where young Woodcraft Folk participants who were very upset to hear of the destruction of the Sycamore Gap Tree can learn about the importance of nature conservation.
Biblins Centre Manager Michael Lawrence said: “Trees have been an important symbol in Woodcraft Folk’s 100-year history. The charity’s nature and environment principles encourage understanding, enjoyment and protection of our environment both locally and globally amongst our young members. The arrival of the Sycamore Gap sapling represents hope and we can’t think of a more significant way to celebrate our centenary than planting the sapling as we look ahead to the future of the next 100 years of our youth work”
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.”
As part of the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative, Henshaw Church of England Primary School as the closest school to the Sycamore Gap Tree, ‘Tina’s Haven’ in East Durham, ‘Fergus’s Tree in south Bristol along with all 15 UK National Parks will receive a sapling.
For more information and to find out where in the country all of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings will go visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/TreesOfHope.
Every week thousands of volunteers and young people meet in school halls, community venues and a host of other places across the UK as part of Woodcraft Folk’s local youth group offering. There they learn about big ideas through fun activities like singing, camping, playing and debating. To find your local Woodcraft Folk local group visit https://woodcraft.org.uk/find-a-group.
The charity is opening a local group in Coleford close to Biblins Youth Campsite in January 2024. Email membership@woodcraft.org.uk if you would like to enquire about the new group.
