A New Sycamore Gap sapling takes root at Segedunum
A sapling grown from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at the eastern most point of Hadrian's Wall, Segedunum Roman Fort, in Wallsend.
Although this tree is being gifted outside the official 49 Trees of Hope, the National Trust had long recognised the Wallsend area for its cultural significance and strong community connections. The Friends of Segedunum, who have championed the area’s Roman heritage for years, played a key role in bringing the sapling to the site.
The Friends support a wide range of activities, from guided walks and school engagement to events that celebrate Wallsend’s rich history – spanning its Roman roots, shipbuilding, and coal mining past.
Many members have visited the original Sycamore Gap tree, and countless walkers, cyclists, school groups, and museum visitors begin or end their Hadrian’s Wall journeys at Segedunum.
The sapling will grow on a site with nearly 2,000 years of heritage, giving local schoolchildren and visitors the opportunity to watch a new tree take root and develop over time.
The sapling was planted this morning during a special ceremony at Segedunum, attended by Mary Glindon MP, North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Karen Clark, Bill Griffiths from North East Museums, and members of the Friends of Segedunum.
It marked the start of a living connection between Wallsend and one of Northumberland’s most famous natural landmarks.
Mary Glindon MP said: "This is such a famous World Heritage Site and to have one of the saplings to plant here isn't just something for the people of Wallsend, it's going to be here for visitors to see in years to come. I'm really glad that we've had the opportunity of having one of them here in North Tyneside."
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Karen Clark said: "Planting this Sycamore Gap sapling at Segedunum links one of the region’s most famous natural landmarks with the site’s Roman heritage. It’s an important and meaningful moment for the museum and the community, ensuring that both the story of Hadrian’s Wall and the iconic Sycamore Gap tree continue to inspire people for generations to come. I’d like to thank the Friends of Segedunum for making this happen.”
Ken Hutchinson, Friends of Segedunum: “The Friends of Segedunum applied for the sapling on behalf of the Wallsend community who have great pride in the town’s Roman Heritage. This year we are celebrating Segedunum’s 1900th birthday with a number of talks and events and it is fitting that such an iconic tree will be planted at Segedunum this year at the start, or end, of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail.”
Bill Griffiths, Head of Programmes and Collections at North East Museums and Vice Chair of the Hadrian's Wall Management Board, said: “We would like to thank the Friends of Segedunum for securing this very special sapling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree from The National Trust. Segedunum Roman Fort at Wallsend, marks the beginning or end of many visitors’ journeys along the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall, and the planting of the sapling is profoundly fitting. We hope this young tree will grow as a powerful symbol of renewal, hope and continuity for our historic site and for all who visit."
