A young sycamore tree grown from the remains of the famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Danby Lodge National Park Centre, near Whitby, in the North York Moors. The planting, which took place in early May 2026, serves as a new symbol of hope and heritage for the region following the destruction of the original tree in 2023.
The sapling was provided by the National Trust as part of its Trees of Hope initiative. This national project aims to plant 49 descendants of the iconic Northumberland tree in publicly accessible locations, including all 15 of the United Kingdom’s national parks, ensuring its legacy continues.
Joseph Roxby, a Woodland Operations Trainee with the North York Moors National Park Authority, carried out the planting. Representing the next generation of woodland management, Roxby noted that he felt honoured to help bring a piece of history to the area. The tree has been placed in a prominent spot along an accessible path at the visitor centre, and a permanent plaque will be installed soon to share the story of the sycamore with visitors.
The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of Danby Lodge, a site that has served as a gateway to the moors for decades. The original tree stood for over 200 years at Hadrian’s Wall before it was deliberately felled in September 2023. Two men were subsequently sentenced to four years and three months in prison in July 2025 for the act, which caused damage estimated to have exceeded £620,000.
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