Date published: 2026-02-23 | Category: Bath, Children's Services
A rare sapling from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which stood at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland before being illegally felled in 2023, has been planted in Alice Park in Bath.
The sapling is one of 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ grown by the National Trust from the seed of the felled tree and gifted to local communities across the UK.
The Alice Park Trust, which manages Alice Park on behalf of Bath & North East Somerset Council, successfully applied for the sapling which has been named ‘Tree of Life’ and is dedicated to children and young people living in care or care experienced.
The planting event, on Saturday February 21, included representatives from Alice Park Trust, Bath Urban Trees, the Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council and care experienced children and young people. A care experienced resident and Off The Record spoke about what the tree represents to them.
Councillor Joanna Wright, Chair of the Alice Park Trust, applied to the National Trust for the sapling. She said: “I am delighted that the sapling has been planted in Alice Park for all the young people who are looked after in B&NES. The park is a place for them to connect to and creates a vision for hope and regeneration, highlighting their role in a future that fosters commitment to their wellbeing and that of the environment. Thank you to everyone who supported us to secure this rare sapling which means so much.”
Councillor Liz Hardman, Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The ‘Tree of Life’ is a powerful symbol of hope and new beginnings for our children and young people. I encourage residents to visit Alice Park, learn what the sapling represents and join us in supporting care‑experienced young people to thrive.”
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “It’s incredible to think that the first “offspring” of this very famous tree are now being planted – it feels like just yesterday that those tentative first shoots appeared. Over the next couple of years, the saplings will really start to take shape, and because sycamores are so hardy, we’re confident they’ll be able to withstand a range of conditions.”
Alice Park was given to the young people of Bath in 1937 for children to play in and is a well-used destination park. Bath & North East Somerset Council is the sole trustee of the park, which is managed by the Alice Park Trust Sub-Committee under delegation of the Charitable Trust Board.
ENDS