Seeds of renewal: Sycamore Gap saplings planted in Hetton Country Park
Written by John Tallentire on 16th December 2025
Image credit: John Tallentire
As part of the National Trust’s Trees of Hope campaign, 49 saplings from the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree have been planted across the UK, with Hetton Country Park chosen as one of the locations.
The Sycamore Gap Tree was illegally cut down in the early hours of September 28, 2023, prompting national outrage and concerns that any new saplings could face similar risks once fully grown.
However, park officials say measures are in place to protect the tree.
John Poorley, a manager at Springboard Adventure, said he is confident the sapling will thrive at Hetton Country Park and hopes it will attract new visitors.
“It will be a nice attraction that will go alongside the other activities we offer at the park,” he said. “Hopefully it will encourage more people to explore the park and learn the story behind the tree.”
Addressing concerns about vandalism, John added: “We have measures in place to protect it. A lot of trees have been planted here recently through another charity and they have all been very successful.
“The park suffers from very little vandalism, and with regular supervision we believe this tree will stay standing. We’re not publicising its exact location and have deliberately placed it slightly out of the way.”
He also confirmed that a metal grid has been installed, similar to those protecting other trees in the park. “We’re confident that will be sufficient to allow the tree to grow and thrive — with a bit of TLC, of course.”
The tree was planted with the help of volunteers from the charity Veterans in Crisis. It holds special significance for the organisation, as it was dedicated to former member Ike Curren, who passed away just weeks before the planting.
CEO and founder Ger Fowler said: “WO1 Ike Curren was our furthest-away member, from Scotland. His daughter is here today and doesn’t know yet that the tree has been dedicated to her father, so it will be a lovely surprise.”
Looking ahead, John said the sapling is expected to begin growing more rapidly in late spring.
“The tree should start growing properly in May,” he said. “It’s already six feet tall, and under our supervision we hope it will become a permanent feature of the park for years to come.”
