The National Trust has launched a public vote inviting citizens to help determine the future of one of Britain's most photographed trees, nearly two years after its illegal destruction sent shockwaves through the nation.
The Sycamore Gap tree, which stood beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was illegally felled in September 2023. The act sparked widespread grief and outrage, with thousands sharing personal memories of the landmark. Now, six artists have been shortlisted to transform the salvaged wood into a major public artwork, and the public will have a voice in selecting the winning proposal.
Public votes will comprise 30 percent of the final decision, with the remaining 70 percent determined by a judging panel that includes artists, curators, and experts in nature connection. The winning artist will create a lasting tribute using wood saved from the tree, with completion expected by 2028.
Annie Reilly, public engagement director at the National Trust and chair of the judging panel, emphasized the profound connection people felt to the tree. "Over the past two years, we have heard extraordinary stories about what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to people," Reilly stated. "From moments of celebration and milestones to quiet memories of loss, connection and reflection. It became more than a tree; it became part of the emotional landscape of the nation."
The wood has been carefully stored and allowed to season over the past 28 months, and is now ready for artistic transformation. The shortlisted artists and creative teams include Alex Hartley and Tom James, Helix Arts with George King Architects, Mary Dalton, non zero one, Sam Williams Studio, and Trigger. Their proposals range from sculptural installations crafted from the original timber to nationwide participatory projects involving storytelling, symbolic carved seeds, and community gatherings.
Professor Miles Richardson, a member of the judging panel, highlighted the deeper significance of the project. "When symbols like the Sycamore Gap tree are lost, it reminds us of the deep emotional bonds we can form with the living world," Richardson explained. "This commission is about more than an artwork – it is an invitation to renew our relationship with nature, to notice and celebrate it every day, and to take action to protect the natural world."
The commission builds upon other initiatives designed to preserve the tree's legacy. Forty-nine saplings grown from its seeds have been planted throughout the United Kingdom through the Trees of Hope project. The main section of the trunk is currently on display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
Sarah Munro, creative director of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and a judging panel member, noted that the tree had long served as a symbol of connection. "Sycamore Gap has long been a symbol of connection – between people, place and memory," Munro said. "The shortlisted artists bring exceptional imagination, sensitivity and skill. Each offers a unique way of honouring the tree's loss while celebrating its enduring place in our shared cultural memory."
Organizers expressed hope that the collaborative approach would transform a moment of profound loss into something positive and unifying. "This project is built on the belief that something hopeful and unifying can come from such a painful loss," Reilly stated. "We hope as many people as possible will take part, explore the proposals, and help shape the future story of the tree."
Voting remains open until 28 March, with the winning proposal scheduled to be announced later this spring. The final artwork represents an opportunity for the public to collectively shape how one of the nation's most beloved natural landmarks will be remembered for generations to come.