Sycamore Gap tree sapling takes root in Manchester

Published: 06 March 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

A sapling grown from the seeds of the famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted in Manchester, becoming a living symbol of hope and resilience for one of the city’s most tight-knit communities.

The young tree was planted on Wednesday at Scotland Hall Road Park in Newton Heath by Easy Come, Easy Grow Mcr CIC, a community group run by local residents, in partnership with the National Trust . The event, held between 1pm and 2:30pm, was open to the public, with attendees invited to “be part of history by planting this very special tree together” .

The original Sycamore Gap tree stood for nearly 200 years as an iconic landmark beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. When it was illegally felled in September 2023, the public reaction revealed just how deeply loved and celebrated the tree had become – “a living representation of nature and resilience across the centuries” .

In response, the National Trust gathered seeds from the fallen tree and grew saplings to continue its legacy throughout the country. Forty-nine ‘Tree of Hope’ saplings, representing the 49-foot height of the parent tree, were planted in public places with emotional connections for communities. A new round of saplings, named ‘Rooted in Partnership’, is now being planted to celebrate community connections – and one has come to Newton Heath .

The sapling celebrates the work of Easy Come, Easy Grow and their partnership with the National Trust. The group was born from the Nature Neighbourhoods project, a partnership between the RSPB, WWF and National Trust that brings local people together to create action plans for nature in their area .

Newton Heath is classed as one of the most deprived wards in Manchester and the UK by Indices of Multiple Deprivation data. Residents founded Easy Come, Easy Grow to address local issues including access to nature, sustainability, and spaces for community and young people. They created an action plan including mass tree planting, food growing, opportunities to volunteer and learn green skills, and activities for young people .

Kelly Robinson, director at Easy Come, Easy Grow, said the tree represents everything the group is trying to achieve in Newton Heath: “bringing people together, improving our green spaces, and creating something that will grow and thrive for years to come” .

“We’re incredibly proud of our community. Together with fellow residents, we’ve grown food, run regular activities for young people, and created safe, welcoming spaces for people to gather and connect,” Robinson said. “What we’re really celebrating is what can happen when local people take the lead. We’ve shown that when a community comes together with a shared vision, real change happens” .

“This tree will become a living landmark in Newton Heath — a reminder of the community spirit and action taking place here. We may be labelled ‘deprived,’ but honestly, we have one of the strongest communities in Manchester — one that truly shines when given the opportunity” .

The Sycamore Gap saplings are part of a wider initiative by the National Trust to spread the tree’s legacy across the UK. The first ‘Trees of Hope’ were planted in November 2025 to coincide with National Tree Week, after more than 500 applications were submitted for the 49 saplings . Now between four and six feet tall, the plants were grown from seeds collected immediately after the felling and nurtured at the Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre .

Early sites to receive a sapling included The Tree Sanctuary in Coventry, created by three teenagers to rescue unwanted trees, and Greenham Common in Berkshire, which reopened to the public in 2000 after decades of military use . The first sapling produced from the Sycamore Gap tree was presented to His Majesty The King last summer and will be planted for the nation at a later date . Another sapling was gifted to Henshaw Church of England Primary School – the nearest school to Sycamore Gap – for planting on its grounds . A further 15 are being planted across each of the UK’s National Parks, including Northumberland National Park .

The National Trust’s urban team in Manchester, along with social enterprise Sow the City, Manchester City Council and others, have been supporting Easy Come, Easy Grow as the group has rapidly gone from strength to strength .

Natalie Daring, Senior Programme Manager for the National Trust’s Greater Manchester Urban Team, said: “Greater Manchester is facing a climate, nature and health crisis, and as our city grows, access to green space is more important than ever. We’re working with communities and partners to create a greener, more liveable city. This sapling symbolises our shared commitment to breaking down barriers to nature and helping everyone thrive” .

For the residents of Newton Heath, the sapling is more than just a tree – it is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. As Kelly Robinson put it: “This tree reflects the spirit of Newton Heath: resilience, strength and rooted in hope” .

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