Thieves have made off with a sapling grown from the famous Sycamore Gap tree which was illegally cut down in 2023.
The sapling had been grown from acorns of the iconic tree at a National Trust property in the Lake District but on Thursday heartbroken staff announced it had been stolen.
Police are investigating the incident, which occurred at the National Trust-run Wray Parkland and Castle, as staff asked for anyone with information about the theft to “do the right thing” and come forward.
Staff at the National Trust property, on the west shore of Lake Windermere, said they were “shocked and saddened” following the theft and were working with Cumbria Police, Chronicle Live reported.
View 2 ImagesA sapling had been grown from an acorn at Wray castle and parkland on Lake Windermere (Image: Wray Parkland & Castle National Trust/Facebook)
Laura Lee, general manager for the National Trust in the area, added: “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.”
Sycamore Gap seedlings have been planted around the country, including in every National Park in the UK. It was hoped that the new life will “create a living legacy that will connect the nation’s most protected landscapes.”
In July 2025, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were jailed for more than four years for chopping Sycamore Gap down in a “moronic act” in the dead of night. Though the sentence was welcomed by some, families of victims of violent crime described the sentence as an “insult”.
Ms Lee said this had been heartbreaking. She added: “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.
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“We urge those involved to do the right thing, return the sapling, or come forward. The tree belongs to everyone.”
Anyone who has any information relating to the theft is asked to contact police quoting crime reference number CRI10053058. This can be reported online via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online or by calling 0800 555 111.