North East UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes home to Sycamore Gap sapling

Shortly before 1pm this afternoon, a Sycamore Gap sapling was planted at North Tyneside’s UNESCO World Heritage Site with the help of Mayor Karen Clark and Mary Glindon MP. North Tyneside was gifted an extra sapling following from the ‘Tree of Hope’ initiative, which saw 49 saplings distributed across the UK.

The world famous Sycamore Gap was illegally felled in the early hours of September 28, 2023, sparking international outrage. Following a Northumbria Police investigation and subsequent trial, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were jailed for destroying the tree for four years and three months in July 2025.

Ken Hutchinson, 74, chairman of the Friends of Segedunum and Wallsend Local History Society said: “We get thousands of school trips and visitors and we are almost at the millionth visitor at Segedunum since it opened 26 years ago. For the next 26 years another million people will come and see the tree.

“The tree will be a beacon of hope for everyone.”

The member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend Mary Glindon said: “The position it is in, the fact, it is part of Wallsend’s bigger history, it is extra special as we”. I can only commend the Friends of Seghedunum and Tyne and Wear Museums for putting in such a great bid. I don’t think anyone could have refused them.”

The elected Mayor of North Tyneside Karen Clark said: “I think it is a really significant moment, it connects one of the region’s symbols into the heritage here at Segedunum.”

The Mayor continued: “It feels like it fits and belongs, where better for it to be. We are happy to have the sapling in our borough and for people to see.” Ms Clark went on to thank the Friends of Segedunum for their work in securing the sapling.

Bill Griffiths, head of programmes and collections at North East Museums and vice chair of the Hadrian’s Wall Management Board, said:“We would like to thank the Friends of Segedunum for securing this very special sapling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree from The National Trust. Segedunum Roman Fort at Wallsend, marks the beginning or end of many visitors’ journeys along the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, and the planting of the sapling is profoundly fitting. We hope this young tree will grow as a powerful symbol of renewal, hope and continuity for our historic site and for all who visit.”

Another sapling was planted in the grounds of the visitor at Rising Sun Country Park between Wallsend and Benton in February. This sapling formed part of the ‘Trees of Hope’ programme, which saw nine saplings planted throughout the North East.