Sycamore Gap sapling is stolen from castle just weeks after being planted

Published: 01:40, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 01:41, 1 July 2026 A rare sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap tree has been stolen just weeks after being planted, as the National Trust has appealed for information to be reported to the police.  The sapling was one of 49 grown from seeds collected from the beloved tree after it was brutally cut down overnight in September 2023, prompting a national outcry and a police investigation.  But the sapling, planted with care in the picturesque grounds of Wray parkland and castle in April this year as a 'symbol of hope and resilience', was reported as stolen on Tuesday.  Staff at the National Trust site said they were 'saddened' and 'shocked' by the loss, which would be 'deeply felt'.  The trust appealed to the public after the theft, urging anyone with useful information to come forward to the police.  Laura Lee, General Manager Lake District, Lakes & Eden Properties said, 'We are shocked and saddened that a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree that was gifted to the Lake District National Park and planted at Wray in April 2026 has been stolen. 'Grown from seeds gathered from the much-loved tree at Hadrian's Wall, which was illegally felled in 2023, it was one of fifteen saplings planted across the UK's National Parks as a symbol of hope and resilience among our most protected landscapes. 'The sapling also helped launch 'Branches of Care', a joint wellbeing initiative by the National Trust and St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston supporting people experiencing illness, dementia, and bereavement through nature. Pictured: the stolen sapling at Wray parkland and castle, which had been planted only weeks before  The iconic 120-year-old Sycamore Gap tree before it was felled  The tree was illegally felled in September 2023. Two men were jailed for the crime in July last year and were sentenced to more than four years in prison  'This tree symbolised resilience and renewal, and its loss will be deeply felt. We are working with Cumbria Police and ask anyone with information to come forward. 'While this is a setback, it does not undermine the spirit the tree represents. Acts of care, restoration, and community support remain far stronger. 'We urge those involved to do the right thing, return the sapling, or come forward. The tree belongs to everyone.' In July last year, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were found guilty over the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap and were sentenced to more than four years in prison.  The Northumberland tree gained worldwide fame as it featured in the opening scenes of the 1991 blockbuster, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.  Situated next to Hadrian's Wall, the cultural icon stood at the beauty spot for 120 years.  After it was felled, it was decided that saplings growing around the now-dead tree would be collected and planted in different areas around the country.  The first sapling grown from the Sycamore Gap tree was gifted to the King last summer and will be planted on behalf of the nation at a later date.  More than 500 applications were received to host one of the 49 saplings, the National Trust said.  The saplings - which number 49 to mark the sycamore's height in feet when it was cut down - were grown from the seeds and material rescued from the felled tree, which grew on land cared for by the National Trust, and were nurtured at the charity's plant conservation centre.  Anyone who has any information relating to the theft is asked to contact police quoting crime reference number CRI10053058. You can report online via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or call 101.  Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555 111. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.