Hopes Sycamore Gap seeds can grow 'new descendants'

The tree at Sycamore Gap was cut down on 28 September

Cuttings and seeds taken from the tree at Sycamore Gap will be used to grow new saplings.

The National Trust confirmed that the seeds from the 200-year-old tree are expected to be able to grow new trees.

The sycamore at Hadrian's Wall was a popular destination for hikers and tourists before it was cut down in September.

The National Trust's Andy Jasper said he hoped "the trunk of the original tree will regrow" and the seeds could be used to grow "new descendants".

'Strong, sturdy saplings'

Work is being carried out at the National Trust's rare plant propagation nursery to grow saplings from the sycamore.

Mr Jasper said that despite it not being the right time of year to carry out the work, it is hoped more than 30% of the mature seeds and half of the cuttings are viable.

He said: "Over the next year, we’ll be doing all we can to nurture the seeds and cuttings, in the hope that some will grow into strong, sturdy saplings – providing a new future for this much-loved tree."

While it is hoped that the original tree will regrow from its trunk, it will take up to three years before experts know if this is possible, the National Trust said.

Artwork plans

The organisation is preparing to launch an appeal that will go towards plans for the site and the tree's wood.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said the most popular suggestion from the public is to commemorate the tree through a sculpture or artwork.

Any artwork created would not be placed at the gap itself due to the protected nature of the site.

Instead, the trust is looking for "an appropriate public location" for the artwork.

Work being carried out to move the Sycamore Gap tree in October

The public is being invited to share photos and memories of the tree.

The recollections will be added to a temporary exhibition at The Sill, Northumberland National Park Authority's visitor hub.

Andrew Poad, general manager at the National Trust, said: "Any photos and memories we receive will be used to help create potential future exhibitions, inform our next steps for honouring the tree and aid the ambition of creating 3D imaging of the tree.”

A police investigation was launched following the tree's felling and forensic officers were seen taking measurements and samples from its remains.

Two men in their 30s have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and have since been bailed.

A boy, 16, and a man in his 60s were previously held by police. Northumbria Police confirmed the 16-year-old will face no further action.