Tree of Hope from Sycamore Gap planted in Milton Keynes

A Tree of Hope has been planted in the city, marking Milton Keynes’ role in a nationwide initiative to honour the legacy of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.

The sapling was officially planted at a ceremony on Friday 23 January in the presence of community representatives and dignitaries, including the Lord-lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Elizabeth Howe.

The planting ceremony took place in Stanton Low Park, which was the chosen location chosen for the Tree of Hope due to its rich heritage, tranquil setting and connection to nature. The idea behind the planting of the saplings was to create a lasting symbol of hope for future generations.

The Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland had held cultural and emotional significance for people from all walks of life, before it was illegally felled in 2023. The Tree of Hope initiative is intended to ensure that its legacy lives on. It’s hoped that each sapling will act as a living reminder of resilience, renewal and the importance of protecting the natural world.

Milton Keynes was selected by the National Trust in December 2024, with the Parks Trust, the charity that cares for MK’s parks, being one of 500 applicants who applied to receive a sapling and one of only 49 chosen.

The Parks Trust said that they are proudly one of only 49 organisations across the UK to receive a sapling grown from the historic tree. Over time, they intend for Tree of Hope will grow into a place for quiet reflection, community gathering and celebration.

Victoria Miles, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust said, “We’re incredibly proud to have been chosen to be part of this national initiative! Having a Tree of Hope in our city echoes our charity’s purpose, to provide amazing green spaces for our communities to love forever. It symbolises renewal, connection and our shared responsibility to care for nature. I hope that people will find the Tree of Hope to be a meaningful place for our communities for many generations to come.”

Due to the very wet ground at the planting ceremony on Friday, The Parks Trust decided to temporarily care for the sapling in their nursery over the weekend. To give the tree it’s best chances, the sapling will be replanted in a location very nearby in Stanton Low Park with more ideal ground conditions.