A school located less than three miles from the Sycamore Gap has received a sapling from the world famous tree.

Henshaw Church of England Primary is the closest school to the site of the sycamore on Hadrian’s Wall, which was mindlessly chopped down by vandals in September 2023.

On Wednesday, December 10, the school became one of 49 recipients of a sapling, as part of the National Trust’s ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative.

Prior to the planting, children at the school embarked on a short procession carrying themed artwork. They sung a specially-written song and took part in whole-school activities.

From left: Paul Rickeard, CEO of the DND Trust (see above), the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, and Mike Glenton, headteacher of Henshaw CofE Primary School, prepare to plant the sapling. (Photo: Diocese of Newcastle)

placeholder image — From left: Paul Rickeard, CEO of the DND Trust (see above), the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, and Mike Glenton, headteacher of Henshaw CofE Primary School, prepare to plant the sapling. (Photo: Diocese of Newcastle)

In the future, they will be unveiling a giant community mosaic which spells out ‘Our Tree of Hope’.

Henshaw CofE Primary has worked with many organisations in the past two years to remember and celebrate the life of the Sycamore Gap tree, which is why a sapling has been gifted to them.

This has included presenting a seedling to Dame Judi Dench at The Chelsea Flower Show and also organising for 13 local schools to come together ‘one year on’ from the felling.

This took place at The Sill and included over 240 children signing, taking part in drama and producing an art piece which was displayed in the heritage centre. Headteacher Mike Glenton said: “It’s a privilege that our school was chosen to receive a sapling, for our whole community. This is a special piece of Sycamore Gap within our school grounds.

“Our children will nurture it and make new memories of a significant tree in our history.”

Bishop Helen-Ann said: “Sycamore Gap was a globally iconic tree, attracting visitors from different parts of the world, but it was a living presence for our region and the local community.

"I am delighted that its legacy will live on as a symbol of future growth for children, their families and the wider community.”

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “These trees represent hope and resilience, and by involving children in this project, we’re helping them feel connected to nature and to the story of this iconic landscape.

"We hope this young tree will grow alongside the pupils, inspiring future generations to care for the environment and cherish the heritage of Hadrian’s Wall.”