Volunteer Group Expresses Pride Over Sycamore Gap Sapling

A volunteer organization has expressed its “pride” upon receiving a sapling originating from the renowned Robin Hood tree, which was unlawfully felled in September 2023. The National Trust gathered seeds from the Sycamore Gap tree, which had stood adjacent to Hadrian’s Wall in the North of England for approximately three centuries before its felling. The National Trust has distributed 49 saplings, with each one symbolizing a foot of the tree’s height at the time it was cut down, to various publicly accessible locations across the United Kingdom. Alison Blackborow, representing the Greener Greenham Group in Newbury, conveyed their feelings of “delight and sheer joy” at being selected as a recipient. Ms. Blackborow stated that the Berkshire-based environmentalist team, of which she is a member, intends to plant its sapling close to the control tower on Greenham Common. “A community event will be organised at the time of its planting to which anyone and everyone will be welcome to attend,” she affirmed. Ms. Blackborow commented: “The tree of hope is very significant and is relevant to the site we have chosen as the location has an historical association with war and weapons of mass destruction.” Greenham Common served as an airfield during both World War Two and the subsequent post-war period. In 1972, RAF Greenham Common was converted into a resettlement facility for individuals compelled to depart Uganda by President Idi Amin following his assumption of power. Over 1,600 refugees resided in barrack blocks on the premises for a duration of one year. By 2000, the site had reopened for public access, and currently features a cafe and museum situated at the control tower. “The control cafe and community space are well used, many people will be able to enjoy the Tree of Hope sapling which has it own story of regeneration and hope,” Ms. Blackborow stated. The Sycamore Gap tree achieved international recognition through its appearance in the 1991 Hollywood film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Following its felling, the National Trust expressed that it was “shocked and saddened” by the loss. The National Trust anticipates dispatching the saplings to their designated locations in winter 2025/26, once they have developed sufficient strength and sturdiness. It conveyed its desire for each sapling to convey “a message of hope with it as it starts a new chapter” within communities throughout the nation.