Sycamore Gap sapling planted as symbol of hope

The sapling was planted at Thames Valley Police's Sulhamstead training centre

A police force has planted a sapling from the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree as a symbol of hope and resilience.

Thames Valley Police is the only force in England to be given one of the saplings grown from seeds rescued from the tree, which stood in a dip next to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland until two men cut it down in September 2023.

The sapling was planted at its Sulhamstead training centre in Berkshire on White Ribbon day, an annual global campaign to end violence against women and girls.

"To have this day and this tree and this lasting legacy is just going to be perfect," said PC Katie Mitchell.

The Tree of Hope initiative received nearly 500 applications for 49 saplings grown from the Sycamore Gap tree by the National Trust.

PC Mitchell, who personally made the application, said she was "absolutely overwhelmed" when she heard the force would be receiving a sapling.

"I was so shocked, so pleased, so proud - just absolutely thrilled," she said.

"When I heard about the Tree of Hope project, I knew Thames Valley Police had to be part of it.

Planting this sapling isn't just about preserving a piece of history – it's about creating a living symbol of hope and resilience."

The planting ceremony was attended by officers from the force, as well as victims of domestic abuse and their families.

Det Ch Supt Lee Barnham said: "It's a massive issue for us, tackling violence against women in particular is a priority for Thames Valley Police.

"We're really proud of all the work that we're doing to tackle what is a really difficult issue and to look after women and girls and make them feel safe in the Thames Valley."