3/12/2024

Rhiwbina Primary School in North Cardiff are among 49 recipients across the UK to receive a sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap Tree, which stood at Hadrian's Wall until it was unexpectedly cut down in September 2023.

The National Trust made the announcement during National Tree Week after individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK were invited to apply for a sapling, marking the anniversary of the of the felling of the much-loved tree last year.

Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings - one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling.

Rhiwbina Primary School was successful in its entry which described how pupils have a real passion for learning about nature, and love being outdoors at every opportunity.

The school has used the story of the Sycamore Gap tree as an inspiration for learning about the important part trees play in our world, and as a symbol of hope in the face of man's foolishness.

Headteacher Carol Harry said: "Our Tree of Hope will be planted on the school field, set against the backdrop of the mountain and woods, providing a place of shelter through all seasons for both the children of the school, their parents and the wider community. It reminds the children of the part trees play in bringing hope and supporting wellbeing, growing alongside the children."

Judges favoured the application which illustrated how the Sycamore Gap tree stood on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain, and how the sapling will remind the community of the history shared, as a western outpost of that Empire.  "Our village, Rhiwbeina, is nestled at the foot of the Wenallt woods...our own temperate rain forest! It is renowned for its beautiful beech and bluebell woodlands, overlooking the Bristol Channel and city of Cardiff."

"The tree will stand beside us and will grow up with us.  It teaches us a lesson, to learn from the mistakes of the past and that good things can come from bad," said Ffion from Year 6.

The saplings are currently being cared for at the charity's Plant Conservation Centre, and they should be strong and sturdy enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26.

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust's Hadrian Wall properties said: "Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling next year."

The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens.

"The loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions - none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree. Its destruction felt utterly senseless, destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons. But the ‘Trees of Hope initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications but a difficult task to select the final 49 recipients.

"The stories have come from every corner of the UK and every walk of life.  Their words reflect the hope and kindness that human beings are capable of, which feels like such a fitting response to the loss of this precious tree."

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Congratulations to Rhiwbeina Primary School. Pupils, staff and the wider community can feel proud and excited to become guardians of an important piece of Britain's natural history, something that will be enjoyed for generations to come."