A sapling grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Danby Lodge National Park Centre, near Whitby, creating a powerful new symbol of hope and heritage in the North York Moors.
Gifted by the National Trust, the tree forms part of a nationwide effort to ensure the legacy of the much-loved Sycamore Gap tree lives on in some of the nation’s most treasured landscapes. The ‘Tree of Hope’ initiative, announced in 2024, will see 49 descendants of the original tree planted in publicly accessible locations across the UK, including all 15 of the UK’s National Parks. Other saplings have already been planted in Northumberland National Park (home to the original Sycamore Gap tree), Eryri National Park and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
The North York Moors sapling was planted by the National Park’s Woodland Operations Team, including trainee Joseph Roxby, representing a tree for the future shaped by the next generation of woodland management.
Joseph Roxby, Woodland Operations Trainee, said:
“It was such a great shame when the original Sycamore Gap tree was vandalised. I feel honoured to see this small piece of history come to Danby and proud to play a part in the ongoing story of such an iconic tree.”
The National Park Authority’s Woodland Operations Team work year-round to create and care for woodland and wood pasture habitats, supporting nature recovery across the North York Moors. Their role reflects a long-term commitment to restoring landscapes and building resilience for decades to come, making this planting just one small part of a growing, living legacy for future generations.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Danby Lodge National Park Centre, so the addition of the sycamore sapling comes in a year of celebration for a place that has connected people with the North York Moors for half a century.
The tree has been planted in a prominent location alongside an accessible path, ensuring it can be seen and appreciated by visitors throughout the year. As a place where thousands of people come to experience nature and the great outdoors, Danby Lodge offers an opportunity for everyone to see this living symbol of hope and renewal.
A permanent plaque will be installed alongside the tree, helping visitors connect with the story behind the tree and its significance.
ENDS
Media contacts
Nina Beadle, Communications Office, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 9.03 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.