The National Trust has announced Gower College Swansea 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 during 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 legacywith 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.
At Gower College Swansea, the Landscaping and Eco Construction team provide vocational programmes for young people aged 14-16, many of whom did not have a positive early experience of education.
Each week, 43 groups of school students attend College to access an alternative curriculum, one that aims to give them hope for the future. Unlike traditional classroom-based activities, the students at Gower College Swansea work outdoors, learning about the environment and gaining practical skills that will boost their confidence and their employability.
In addition, the College offers two Diploma courses – a Level 1 in Landscape Construction and Gardening and a Level 2 in Practical Horticulture Skills.
This year the College launched its Green Hwb; a dedicated outdoor space for students to learn and relax with a pond, polytunnel and orchard – a kitchen garden is also in the works. It’s in the Hwb that the Sycamore Gap sapling will be planted next year, where it will be cared for by the College’s Schools Group and Environmental Club.
Local junior schools and groups will also be invited to visit the tree and learn from its story as told by the students at the College.
Kirsten Collins, the College’s Assistant Learning Area Manager for the 14-16 Schools Programme, says:
“The devastating news of the Sycamore Gap tree really impacted our staff and strengthened their resolve that education is vital for preserving not only our environment but also our history.
“The Sycamore Gap sapling will give our Green Hwb an identity, a focal point for renewal, a symbol for chance, for growth, for strength. An opportunity to share stories of the original tree, its heritage and the stories of the other saplings. A chance to reflect on our own stories, to take pride in where we are in the world despite adversity, to consider our connection to the world around us, and the impact that we have on the planet.
“The tree will be a poignant learning tool that grows with us, a symbol of our department, our College and our wider community, that is cared for and nurtured by our students year in year out, as they are cared for and nurtured by our incredible team of staff.”
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.”
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.
About the National Trust
The National Trust is an independent conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people: Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, who saw the importance of the nation's heritage and open spaces and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy. Today, across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we continue to look after places so people and nature can thrive.
We care for more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline, 1 million collection items and 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves. In 2023/24 we received 25.3 million visitors to our pay for entry sites. The National Trust is for everyone - we were founded for the benefit of the whole nation, and our 5.38 million members, funders and donors, and tens of thousands of volunteers support our work to care for nature, beauty, history for everyone, for ever.