More than two years after the felling of the much-loved Sycamore Gap tree, a sapling recovered from it has been planted in the Manchester area of Newton Heath. The sapling was planted during a public celebration on Wednesday (March 4) by Easy Come, Easy Grow and the National Trust at Scotland Hall Road Park.
The Sycamore Gap tree reflects the spirit of Newton Heath
Easy Come, Easy Grow is a group of residents within Newton Heath who are improving nature and community through gardening, environmental education, and social activities. In Newton Heath, 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.
The group created an action plan including mass tree planting, food growing, opportunities to volunteer and learn green skills, and activities for young people. Easy Come, Easy Grow says the planting of the Sycamore Gap tree reflects the spirit of Newton Heath: resilience, strength, and rooted in hope.
Everyone is welcome to join Easy Come, Easy Grow and contribute to planting trees, taking part in gardening sessions, volunteering at events, or simply enjoying the safe spaces they create.
From an iconic landmark at Hadrian’s Wall to a sapling in Newton Heath
The Sycamore Gap tree was an iconic landmark at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland in the Northeast of England for nearly 200 years. When it was illegally felled in September 2023, the public reaction showed how loved, celebrated, and special the tree had been and how much it symbolised for the many people who felt connected to it – a living representation of nature and resilience across the centuries.
The National Trust gathered seeds from the Sycamore Gap tree and grew saplings to continue the tree’s legacy of resilience and hope throughout the country. Forty-nine Tree of Hope saplings, representing the 49-foot height of the parent tree, have been planted in public places with emotional connections for people and communities.
A new round of Sycamore Gap saplings, one of which has arrived in Newton Heath, has now been planted to celebrate community connections, named Rooted in Partnership.
“Planting this Sycamore tree represents everything we’re trying to achieve in Newton Heath”
Kelly Robinson, director at Easy Come, Easy Grow, said: “For ECEG, planting this Sycamore tree represents everything we’re 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.
“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.”
“This sapling symbolises our shared commitment to breaking down barriers to nature and helping everyone thrive.”
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.”
