Merseyside Hospice Awarded Sycamore Gap Sapling

A hospice located in Merseyside is set to receive a sapling originating from the felled Sycamore Gap tree. St Joseph’s Hospice, situated in Sefton, was among the successful applicants chosen to receive one of the 49 “Trees of Hope” saplings. These saplings were cultivated by the National Trust from seeds collected from the renowned tree. The Sycamore Gap tree had been a prominent feature in a natural hollow beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland until its felling occurred in September 2023. Mike Parr, the chief executive of the hospice, stated that receiving a sapling was “a real honour and privilege,” serving as a “symbol of hope and life for our community.” The hospice, which occupies 12 acres of woodland in Thornton, was identified as a successful applicant during National Tree Week. The saplings are being distributed to various individuals, groups, and organizations throughout the UK. According to a hospice spokesperson, the saplings represent hope and align with the hospice’s core philosophy of “bringing life into people’s days.” Mr. Parr expressed that he, similar to many others, was deeply saddened by the news of the iconic tree’s felling, having personally visited it during multiple Hadrian’s Wall charity walks. He further added, “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.” Annually, the hospice provides care for approximately 200 individuals from regions such as Sefton, Liverpool, and West Lancashire. The 49 saplings, which symbolize each foot of the photographed tree’s height, are scheduled for planting next winter. Presently, these saplings are under the care of the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre. The National Trust reported that close to 500 applications were submitted, and all selected locations for the saplings are publicly accessible spaces, forming part of the iconic tree’s enduring legacy. Andrew Poad, the general manager for the National Trust in Hadrian’s Wall, commented: “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.” A panel of experts from the National Trust, overseen by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens, evaluated the applications. She remarked that the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree “felt utterly senseless,” but noted that the “Trees of Hope” initiative had sustained that feeling of joy and hope.