Police have launched a manhunt after one of the saplings grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree was stolen from the grounds of Wray Castle near Ambleside, Cumbria. The young tree, planted in April 2026 as part of a joint initiative between the National Trust and St Mary's Hospice, was believed taken between 9 and 16 June.
Careful Theft Raises Concerns
The sapling was one of 49 grown from seeds of the original tree, illegally felled in September 2023. National Trust assistant director Jez Westgarth said the theft appeared deliberate: "It hasn't just been pulled up recklessly - somebody's thought about what they're doing." He noted that while thefts and vandalism occur, this was the first time a plant had been taken in such a calculated manner. "Ultimately, we don't understand it, but we would really like the sapling back," he added.
Community and Police Response
Laura Lee, general manager of the National Trust estate, described the loss as "deeply felt," emphasizing that "the tree belongs to everyone." She urged those involved to "do the right thing, return the sapling, or come forward." Cumbria Police is investigating and appealing for witnesses who visited the castle grounds to help narrow the timeframe.
Value and Sentimental Significance
Arboriculturist Christopher Neilan, creator of the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees (CAVAT) system, likened the sapling to "stolen art." He noted its intangible sentimental value: "In one sense, it's only paint on canvas - in another, perhaps it isn't worth anything because you can't sell it on the open market. But collectors might pay a huge amount for it." The original Sycamore Gap tree, valued at £450,000, was one of the most photographed in the world and featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. In July 2025, Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were jailed for four years and three months for felling it; their motive remains unknown.
