Sycamore Gap Tree Lives On: Piece of Iconic Tree Becomes Accessible Memorial

A poignant tribute to the beloved Sycamore Gap tree, tragically felled in September 2023, is set to captivate visitors once more. A significant section of the iconic tree’s trunk, preserved and transformed into an accessible art installation, will be unveiled at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for the public to reconnect with the spirit of the tree and commemorate its profound impact on the landscape and the lives it touched.

The illegal felling of the Sycamore Gap tree sent shockwaves around the globe, sparking widespread condemnation and a deep sense of loss. Nearly two years after this act of senseless destruction, two men have been convicted for their role in the incident. Now, the remains of the tree are being given a new life, serving as a permanent memorial near its original location, close to Hadrian’s Wall.

The transformation of the Sycamore Gap trunk is the work of artist Charlie Whinney, renowned for his captivating sculptures crafted from steam-bent wood. In his workshop nestled in a Cumbrian village, Whinney has meticulously integrated the tree trunk into a larger artistic creation. His signature style, characterized by intricate twists and turns of wood, now embraces the Sycamore Gap trunk, creating a harmonious blend of natural history and artistic expression.

“The actual design came from what people said,” Charlie explains, highlighting the community-driven nature of the project. “They wanted to be able to sit down, so we made some benches, and also pretty much 100% of the people we spoke to said they want to be able to access the tree and touch it.”

The resulting installation features three elegantly curved benches, complete with canopies formed from wooden stems and leaves, encircling the trunk. Inscriptions on the benches bear poignant words and phrases, carefully selected from the thousands of messages, letters, and contributions received from the public during a dedicated consultation. These words reflect the deep emotional connection people felt towards the tree, encompassing themes of sorrow, remembrance, hope, and a renewed commitment to nature.

Charlie Whinney received the trunk in mid-June, embarking on the delicate process of preparing it for its new role. The only modifications made to the sycamore itself involve carving and drilling into the base to accommodate a robust metal support structure, ensuring its upright display. Whinney described the work as “nerve-wracking,” acknowledging the immense public sentiment attached to the tree and the responsibility to do it justice.

The artist emphasized the tactile nature of the installation, inviting visitors to do as he did – to hug the trunk and feel a connection to its enduring presence. “The wood cuts smoothly and is ‘really nice to work with’,” Whinney shared, expressing his admiration for the material. This hands-on interaction is central to the experience, allowing individuals to forge their own personal relationship with this powerful symbol of resilience and remembrance.

Rosie Thomas, the park’s business development director, played a key role in selecting the inscriptions for the benches. “The words that were chosen take you from sorrow, grief, the initial reaction, all the way through to feelings of hope and wishes for the future,” she explained. “The really nice thing about the words is that everyone’s experience of the tree was different and everybody’s experience with this installation will be different too because the route that you take to read the words creates your own individual poem.” This personalized journey through the narrative ensures that each visitor’s experience is unique and deeply meaningful.

The Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) commissioned Charlie Whinney and the Creative Communities art collective to undertake this significant project. Nick Greenall of the collective articulated the project’s core mission: “It was very important at the beginning when we received the commission to kind of represent people that loved the tree, or knew the tree in life. It shows by its absence how much it meant to people.”

Tony Gates, the chief executive of the NNPA, expressed his delight at the unveiling, recognizing the emotional significance of the past 18 months. “Back in September 2023, people felt they’d lost the tree forever and maybe in some ways felt they’d lost those memories of those life events,” he shared. “To be sat here today to be part of that tree with this beautiful installation, it gives me a ray of hope for the future, this is a time to look forward and a time for us to repledge to do positive things for nature.”

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, both from Cumbria, are scheduled for sentencing on July 15th, following their conviction for felling the iconic tree. The new installation at The Sill, located just two miles from the Sycamore Gap’s former site, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the tree and a beacon of hope for the future of nature conservation.