Friends of Rising Sun Country Park

This young tree has been grown from seed collected from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall and became one of the most recognisable landmarks in the North East. After the loss of the original tree in 2023, the National Trust propagated a limited number of saplings to preserve its legacy and share its story with communities across the region.

Only 49 saplings were distributed — a number chosen to reflect the approximate 49‑foot height of the original Sycamore Gap tree. Elemental Occupational Therapy was chosen to be a recipient of one of these saplings, which has been planted here at the Rising Sun for the benefit of the whole community.

The Sycamore Gap saplings represent:
• Resilience after loss
• Continuity of cultural and natural heritage
• Hope for future generations
• A shared connection to a landscape loved across the country

Located beside the children’s play area, the sapling offers visitors the chance to watch a new generation of this much‑loved tree grow. Over time, it will become a living link to the original Sycamore Gap tree and a meaningful part of the Rising Sun landscape — a tree for everyone who visits the park.