In a heartfelt initiative to commemorate the beloved Sycamore Gap tree, which was unlawfully felled in 2023, the National Trust is inviting the public to vote on artistic proposals that will transform the tree’s timber into a lasting tribute. This innovative project aims to preserve the legacy of a landmark that has held significant emotional value for many across the nation.
A Call for Artistic Vision
Following the tree’s tragic demise, the National Trust launched a nationwide appeal for artists and creative agencies to submit their ideas for a commission that would utilise half of the wood from the fallen tree. The six finalists have now been revealed, and the public is encouraged to participate in a voting process that will run until 28 March. Each of the proposed artworks aims to encapsulate the tree’s poignant story, symbolism, and memory, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come.
The public’s choice will account for 30 per cent of the final decision, while a panel of judges—comprising experts in nature and the arts—will determine the remaining 70 per cent. This collaborative approach not only invites community engagement but also fosters a deeper connection to the artwork’s eventual form.
A Legacy of Loss and Reflection
The Sycamore Gap tree, famously situated along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was brutally cut down by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers during a storm in September 2023. This act of vandalism ignited a wave of national outrage and mourning, as the tree had become a cherished part of the landscape since its likely planting in the late 1880s.
Annie Reilly, the National Trust’s public engagement director and chair of the judging panel, remarked on the profound impact the tree had on the public. “Over the past two years, we’ve heard extraordinary stories about what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to people—ranging from joyous celebrations to quiet moments of reflection,” she noted. “It became more than just a tree; it became embedded in the emotional landscape of our nation.”
Shortlisted Artists and Their Visions
The six shortlisted artists bring a variety of creative backgrounds and visions to the table. Among them are Alex Hartley and Tom James from Devon and London, Helix Arts in collaboration with George King Architects from the North East, Hampshire’s Mary Dalton, London-based non zero one, Sam Williams Studio from Sussex, and Bristol’s Trigger. Each artist proposes unique ways to honour the Sycamore Gap tree, ranging from new artworks and sculptural installations to community projects that invite public participation.
Some ideas include collecting personal stories, distributing carved seeds that symbolise new growth, and initiating conversations about climate change through song and remembrance. The wood has been carefully stored and seasoned for 28 months, making it ready for artistic transformation.
Creating a Lasting Tribute
The winning artist will be announced later this spring, with the final artwork expected to be unveiled by 2028. This initiative is part of a broader public engagement programme designed to respond to the tree’s felling, supported by various organisations, including Northumberland National Park Authority, Historic England, and the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership.
To further honour the tree, the main section of its trunk has been installed at the gateway to Northumberland National Park, where it once stood proudly. Additionally, heartwood prints created by printmaker Shona Branigan are now on display at Seaton Delaval Hall, providing a tangible connection to the tree’s rich history. Communities across the UK have also been invited to plant saplings grown from seeds rescued from the original tree, reinforcing the tree’s legacy in a new form.
People can cast their votes at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sycamore-gap-commission, allowing them to play an active role in shaping the narrative of this iconic landmark.
Why it Matters
This initiative represents more than just an artistic endeavour; it is a poignant reminder of the profound connections we have with nature and the spaces that shape our communities. As we engage with the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree, we are invited to reflect on our shared history and collective responsibility towards preserving the natural world. The act of voting for the artwork is not merely about selecting a design; it is a tribute to resilience, memory, and the enduring impact that a single tree can have on the hearts of many.
