From Tragedy to Tribute: Sycamore Gap Timber to Inspire New Wave of Art

By Community Correspondent

Two years after the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, the National Trust has launched a major creative commission, inviting artists and organisations to give new life to its salvaged timber.

Once one of Britain’s most beloved and photographed trees, the sycamore stood in a dramatic dip along Hadrian’s Wall and symbolised the North East. Its unexpected destruction on 28 September 2023 sparked outrage and reflection worldwide.

Now, half of the preserved timber will be used for an ambitious creative project exploring themes of memory, nature, and community.

“Two years ago, we lost something very special from a much-loved landscape,” said Annie Reilly, the National Trust’s Public Engagement Director. “This commission is a way of marking that iconic tree’s legacy while continuing an important conversation about our collective relationship with nature.”

“We want artists and organisations to come up with proposals that will inspire the public to connect with nature and the landscapes around them, using the timber as a symbolic focal point,” she added.

The open call for proposals begins at 9am on Monday 13 October 2025 and closes at 5pm on 17 November 2025. Details and an information pack are available at nationaltrust.org.uk/sycamore-gap-commission.

Five shortlisted artists will receive £5,000 to develop full proposals. The winner will be selected with input from public voting and announced in February 2026.

This initiative is supported by the Sycamore Gap Partnership Board, including Northumberland National Park Authority, Historic England and the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership.

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Also under the Sycamore Gap programme, the Trees of Hope initiative will see 49 saplings grown from the original tree planted across UK communities this winter.

The largest remaining timber piece is now on permanent display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, drawing large crowds throughout the summer.

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