The beloved Sycamore Gap tree, a famous landmark situated in Northumberland National Park, has been a point of fascination and emotional connection for thousands. The tree was infamously felled in September 2023, an act that drew widespread outrage and condemnation from around the globe, leading to legal consequences for those responsible. Just recently, however, visitors to the area have been granted the opportunity to once again engage with this iconic natural monument, albeit in a new and poignant way.
A permanent display of a piece of the tree, measuring over six feet in length, has been installed at the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, which is located close to where the original tree stood. This new installation serves not only as a memorial to the tree but also as a testament to the impact it had on the community and the legions of visitors who once cherished it. The display has been carefully crafted, allowing guests to see and touch part of the trunk, thereby creating an interactive experience that pays homage to the tree’s history and the many memories shared underneath its branches.
Artist Charlie Whinney has played a pivotal role in this project, creating a sculpture that encapsulates the spirit of the Sycamore Gap tree. Working in his workshop in a remote village in Cumbria, Whinney specializes in crafting bent wood sculptures, and for this project, he has integrated the trunk of the tree into a captivating piece that features benches and curved wooden elements inspired by natural forms. According to Whinney, the design of the sculpture was influenced directly by community feedback and consultation sessions, where local residents and visitors were eager to express their desires for what the installation should include.
The bench-like seating surrounding the trunk is inscribed with words and phrases submitted by the community, which reflect a wide range of emotions from grief to hope. This engagement has allowed individuals to resonate with the installation on a personal level, ensuring that each visitor’s experience is unique. Whinney recalls being particularly moved by the tree’s tactile qualities, describing it as “huggable,” emphasizing the intimate connection that many will feel when they visit.
Meanwhile, the Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) has been instrumental in managing and executing the project. After receiving an outpouring of sentiments from thousands of community members, the NNPA commissioned Whinney and the Creative Communities art collective to create an installation that both honors the tree’s legacy and fosters connection amongst visitors. Nick Greenall, from the collective, noted that the artistic response should encapsulate the love and appreciation people had for the tree during its lifetime, highlighting the communal nature of the piece.
The installation symbolizes hope and regeneration in the aftermath of loss. After its public unveiling, NNPA Chief Executive Tony Gates voiced his contentment with the project, remarking on the cathartic nature this new installation brings to the community. Throughout the 18 months following the tree’s destruction, many community members felt as though they had lost not just a tree but also a repository of special memories encompassing life events ranging from marriage proposals to family picnics.
As the project continues to receive attention, the community looks toward a future filled with promise—a commitment to do right by nature as they celebrate the life and impact of the Sycamore Gap tree. With the sentencing of those responsible set for July 15, the installation stands as both a memorial and a call to action: a reminder of what was lost, and a beacon of hope for future engagements with nature and community spirit.
Visitors are encouraged to come by the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre to share in this experience, reflecting on the memories evoked by a once-beloved tree that brings a community together, inspiring a renewed dedication to environmental preservation.
