Sapling from felled Sycamore Gap tree planted at Benmore Botanic Garden

A sapling grown from the famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Benmore Botanic Garden as part of a nationwide effort to preserve the tree’s legacy.

The planting marks Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority joining a UK-wide restoration project following the felling of the much-loved tree in September 2023.

The original tree stood beside Hadrian’s Wall for more than 150 years and had become one of the most recognised and photographed trees in the UK before it was cut down in what was widely condemned as an act of vandalism.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is among the first three parks selected for the initial phase of the scheme, alongside Northumberland National Park – home to the original tree – and Eryri National Park.

Gordon Watson, chief executive of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “The planting of the Sycamore Gap saplings across our fifteen National Parks represents an inspiring symbol of hope. It sends a message that even from the most destructive of actions, nature can recover and flourish when we properly take care of it.

“The planting of the sapling at Benmore Botanic Gardens in the National Park ensures the public will be able to connect with its powerful story and legacy for generations to come.”

The project is being delivered by all 15 UK national parks in partnership with the National Trust, highlighting their role in protecting landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage.

Benmore Botanic Garden, which is managed by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, was chosen as Scotland’s planting site partly because of its expertise in caring for internationally significant plant collections.

The garden has also experienced major tree loss in recent years. Around 300 trees were uprooted during Storm Eowyn, with many more damaged – including one of the garden’s giant redwoods which split in two.

Dr Julia Knights said: “I am delighted that this sapling from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree will be planted here at Benmore. Nearly all life depends on plants and fungi, and both are key to our health, wellbeing, and connectivity to nature.

“As this sapling matures and grows it will stand as a living reminder of the importance of our natural world, and the urgent need to protect it, an urgency which drives our world-leading science and conservation work across our four Botanic Gardens in Scotland.”

A new generation of saplings has since been grown and will now be planted across the UK’s national parks, helping to ensure the tree’s legacy continues.

The sapling at Benmore was planted in the grounds of Benmore House beside a mature sycamore tree more than 100 years old – roughly the same age as the original Sycamore Gap tree.