The National Trust has been hard at work nurturing the future of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which was illegally felled in Northumberland last September. Potted seeds from the felled tree have sprouted into 100 saplings, each measuring three feet in height with lobed leaves and spidery veins that identify them as sycamores. Andy Jasper, the director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, excitedly refers to them as a “forest of baby sycamores.” These saplings are being carefully cared for at a top-secret West Country location to ensure the continuation of the tree’s genetic legacy.
A team of experts at the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre has been diligently working on nurturing these saplings over the past 10 months. The facility, a multimillion-pound biosecure location, houses rare plants and fauna threatened by climate change, human interference, and disease. The National Trust has taken great care to protect the location of the facility, allowing only a select few, including the Daily Express, to witness the thriving saplings.
The decision to gather living material from the felled Sycamore Gap tree was a crucial one, as it has allowed for the propagation of new saplings from the ancient tree. The team at the Plant Conservation Centre, led by nursery manager Chris Trimmer, has employed various methods such as budding and grafting to preserve the true genetic form of the tree. These methods have proven successful, with all propagated seeds and cuttings thriving under the team’s care.
Preserving a Symbol of History and Hollywood
The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, a historic symbol of north-east England, sparked outrage and sadness both locally and globally. The tree, known for its scenic location beside Hadrian’s Wall, has been a popular landmark for decades, even gaining Hollywood fame in the 1991 blockbuster “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” The tree’s felling left many questioning why such a beloved and iconic tree had been destroyed.
The National Trust’s quick action in collecting living material from the tree has been instrumental in ensuring its preservation. The team’s efforts have garnered widespread support and admiration from around the world, with offers of assistance pouring in from experts in various countries. The tree’s significance as a symbol of history and Hollywood has only served to amplify the importance of its preservation.
Techniques for Propagation and Conservation
At the Plant Conservation Centre, the team has employed various techniques to propagate and conserve the Sycamore Gap tree’s genetic legacy. The process of budding and grafting has been essential in preserving the tree’s true genetic form. Chris Trimmer, the nursery manager, demonstrates the intricate process of grafting, ensuring the successful propagation of the saplings.
The team at the centre utilizes biosecure peat-free compost mixes to nurture the saplings, maintaining strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of contaminants. Propagator Darryl Beck, responsible for seed sowing, recalls the excitement of seeing the first seedling germinate, marking a significant milestone in the conservation efforts. The careful monitoring and application of different propagation techniques have been crucial in ensuring the success of the project.
Impacts of Climate Change and Disease
As the team at the Plant Conservation Centre works tirelessly to propagate and preserve the Sycamore Gap tree’s genetic legacy, they face challenges posed by climate change and disease. The threat of diseases such as phytophthora ramorum and phytophthora kernoviae looms large, requiring stringent monitoring and containment measures to prevent their spread.
Chris Trimmer highlights the importance of biosecurity measures in safeguarding the plants at the centre, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance against harmful pathogens. The team’s dedication to ensuring the health and vitality of the propagated plants is evident in their meticulous care and monitoring practices.
In addition to the conservation efforts for the Sycamore Gap tree, the Plant Conservation Centre has successfully propagated historically significant trees and plants, including the 370-year-old apple tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity. The centre’s work in preserving rare and endangered plant species is vital in mitigating the impacts of climate change and disease on our natural ecosystems.
As the National Trust continues its conservation efforts, the future of the Sycamore Gap tree remains uncertain. While new shoots have appeared on the tree’s trunk, experts will only know in three years’ time if the original tree will grow back. The area surrounding the tree has been fenced off to protect the roots, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding this iconic symbol of history and heritage.
In conclusion, the National Trust’s dedication to preserving the genetic legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree is a testament to their commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. The efforts of the team at the Plant Conservation Centre highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures in the face of climate change and disease. As the saplings from the felled tree continue to thrive under their care, the future of the Sycamore Gap tree looks brighter, ensuring that its legacy will endure for generations to come.