Sycamore Gap tree seeds come to life

Seeds collected from Sycamore Gap trees that were cut down last year are starting to sprout.

National Trust conservationists collected seeds and material from the 200-year-old tree it was chopped off On the night of September 27th and 28th, an “act of vandalism” occurred in Northumberland National Park.

December, team Says there are “positive signs” New offspring can be grown from seeds and cuttings on the tree.

Officials also said they are “hopeful” the original tree’s trunk will still grow back, but it could be three years before they know if that’s possible.

Experts used a range of techniques to cultivate this material, including “bud grafting”, in which a bud from the original tree is attached to a rootstock of the same species, and two forms of grafting – “whip and tongue” and “apical” Wedge” grafting – joining cuttings and rootstock from a tree through corresponding cuts in the material.

These processes are designed to create genetically identical replicas of the original Sycamore Gap tree.

Dozens of seeds are washed and checked for disease before being grown in a special peat-free compost mix.

Andrew Jasper, Director of Gardens and Parklands at the National Trust, said: “Our conservationists have delivered these techniques with extraordinary care and precision to provide this much-loved tree with heritage.

“While there is still a long way to go before we have actual saplings, we will keep everything crossed so that these plants continue to grow stronger and can be grown and enjoyed by many people in the future.

“The response to the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree has been overwhelming and we hope that by continuing to share its story we can raise awareness of the cultural and natural significance of these majestic trees, which we are lucky to have in the UK.”

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The National Trust says it will take at least 12 months for the saplings to be ready for planting.

When the felled tree was discovered, the world was outraged.

Located next to Hadrian’s Wall, which was damaged by fallen trees, its location is world-famous and was featured in the 1991 Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

The tree is also popular with photographers and artists, and is a frequent destination for tourists and hikers.