Trees of Hope initiative

Published 31st October 2024

Sycamore Gap tree

CDRA has applied to the National Trust for one of their Trees of Hope initiative Sycamore saplings. If successful, the sapling will be presented to Citizen Zoo for planting at Tolworth Court Farm.

The Trees of Hope initiative, led by the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority and Historic England, is about finding inspiring ways to ensure the legacy of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree lives on. You’ll remember the Sycamore Gap tree hit the headlines when it was felled in October 2023. The tree stood in a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall in the Northumberland National Park.

Forty-nine sycamore saplings – one to represent each foot of the height that the tree was at the time of felling – that will be gifted to communities around the country. People from around the UK were invited to apply for a tree to plant in publicly accessible spaces, which have emotional connections with people and communities.

CDRA’s application for a Tree of Hope is in recognition of the following:

  • Citizen Zoo’s efforts on behalf of the community in restoring our Local Nature Reserve and making it a place where we can see species return.
  • CDRA’s efforts to defend our Green Belt and green spaces against the potential threat both from the London Mayor and the Government’s through their plans for housing.
  • To celebrate the 1100th anniversary of King Athelstan, First King of England, crowned on the Coronation Stone in Kingston 925AD.

Read about the Sycamore Gap tree