Thieves have stolen a young tree grown from the famous Sycamore Gap tree, which was unlawfully cut down in 2023. The sapling, cultivated from acorns of the iconic tree at a National Trust property in the Lake District, was reported missing by distressed staff on Thursday.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident at the National Trust-managed Wray Parkland and Castle, urging anyone with relevant information to step forward. Staff members at the property, located on the west shore of Lake Windermere, expressed shock and sadness over the theft, collaborating with Cumbria Police, as per reports from Chronicle Live.
Laura Lee, the general manager of the National Trust in the region, lamented the loss of the sapling, which was part of a larger initiative involving fifteen saplings planted in National Parks across the UK. The stolen tree symbolized hope and resilience, originating from seeds collected from the Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall, which was illegally taken down in 2023.
The theft has impacted a joint initiative called ‘Branches of Care’, a well-being program by the National Trust and St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston, aiding individuals facing illness, dementia, and bereavement through nature. Sycamore Gap seedlings have been dispersed throughout the country, including in all UK National Parks, aiming to create a living legacy connecting protected landscapes.
In a previous case, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were imprisoned for over four years for felling the Sycamore Gap tree in a misguided act, drawing mixed reactions from the public. Nonetheless, the families of violent crime victims criticized the sentence as inadequate.
Ms. Lee emphasized the significance of the stolen tree as a symbol of renewal and community support, urging those responsible to return the sapling or provide information. Despite the setback, the spirit embodied by the tree remains resilient, promoting care and restoration. Anyone with details on the theft is encouraged to contact the authorities, quoting the crime reference number CRI10053058.
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