A sapling grown from seeds of the famed Sycamore Gap tree has been stolen from a National Trust property in the Lake District. The tree, planted at Wray Castle and parkland on the western shore of Windermere in April 2026, was one of fifteen saplings distributed across UK National Parks as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Police Appeal for Information
The National Trust has issued an appeal for anyone with information about the theft to contact Cumbria Police. In a statement, the charity said: "We are appealing for help with information about the theft of a Sycamore Gap tree sapling from Wray castle and parkland. If you know anything that might be useful, please contact the police direct." The trust confirmed it is supporting the police investigation.
Shock and Sadness
Laura Lee, general manager for the National Trust in the area, expressed shock and sadness over the theft. "We are shocked and saddened that a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree that was gifted to the Lake District National Park and planted at Wray in April 2026 has been stolen," she said. The original Sycamore Gap tree, located at Hadrian's Wall, was illegally felled in September 2023.
Symbol of Resilience
The sapling was part of a wider initiative to create a living legacy. It also helped launch 'Branches of Care', a joint wellbeing project between the National Trust and St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston, supporting people with illness, dementia, and bereavement through nature. Ms Lee said: "This tree symbolised resilience and renewal, and its loss will be deeply felt."
Previous Convictions
In July 2025, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were each jailed for over four years for felling the original Sycamore Gap tree in what was described as a "moronic act". The sentences drew mixed reactions, with some victims' families calling them an "insult".
Appeal to Return Sapling
Ms Lee urged those responsible to "do the right thing, return the sapling, or come forward. The tree belongs to everyone." Anyone with information is asked to contact Cumbria Police quoting crime reference number CRI10053058, via their website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
