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January 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 39The Parks Trust has been named as one of 49 recipients of a %u2018Trees of Hope%u2019 Sycamore Gap sapling!Exciting news for Milton Keynes as The National Trust has announced The Parks Trust as one of the recipients of the 49 %u2018Trees of Hope%u2019 Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK.The big reveal during National Tree Week follows a nationwide invitation, on the anniversary of the felling of the much-loved tree at the end of September, for one of the saplings grown from Sycamore Gap seed.The Parks Trust was amongst nearly 500 applicants for the 49 saplings %u2013 one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling. Homes for the saplings will all be in publicly accessible spaces, enabling many more people to feel part of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree%u2019s legacy.In Milton Keynes, The Parks Trust has identifi ed a suitable location in the north of the city within Stanton Low Park. Loved for its fascinating history, this park is bisected by the historic Grand Union Canal and features ancient landmarks including the 12th Century remains of St Peter%u2019s Church and underground remains of Stantonbury Manor House %u2013 marked by substantial earthworks. In addition to its heritage, the park also boasts an expanse of wildfl ower meadows and hedgerows providing great habitat for wildlife, a natural play area, accessible walking routes, and scenic views across the valley of the River Great Ouse.The planting of Milton Keynes%u2019 Tree of Hope in Stanton Low Park will be symbolic of regeneration, off ering a place for refl ection, celebration, and connection to the natural world.Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, Victoria Miles MBE, said: %u201cWe%u2019re Trees of Hope sapling arrivesincredibly proud and excited to become custodians of such a signifi cant piece of Britain%u2019s natural history. The planting of a %u2018Tree of Hope%u2019 here in Milton Keynes truly demonstrates the importance of nature for our city, and the benefi ts of green spaces that are loved by our communities.%u201dAndrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust%u2019s Hadrian Wall properties said: %u201cEach and every application for a %u2018Tree of Hope%u2019 told heartfelt stories of people%u2019s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature. They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it%u2019s been a privilege to read them all.%u201d%u201cThe tree meant so much to so many and through the %u2018Trees of Hope%u2019 initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come.%u201dThe entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens. Catherine commented: %u201cThe Sycamore is one of the most architecturally beautiful trees in our landscape. In summer, their dark green leaves create a canopy that looks almost like broccoli, while in winter, they create a silhouette that perfectly depicts what we think of when we think of a tree.%u201d%u201cThe loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions %u2013 none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree. Its destruction felt utterly senseless, destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons. But the %u2018Trees of Hope%u2019 initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications but a diffi cult task to select the fi nal 49 recipients.%u201d%u201cThe stories have come from every corner of the UK and every walk of life. Their words refl ect the hope and kindness that human beings are capable of, which feels like such a fi tting response to the loss of this precious tree.%u201dThe saplings are currently being cared for at The National Trust%u2019s Plant Conservation Centre, and they should be strong and sturdy enough to plant out in winter 2025/26. Recipients from across the UK include The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, Holly%u2019s Hope in conjunction with Hexham Abbey in Northumberland, and The Tree Sanctuary and Tree Amigos in Coventry. For more information and to fi nd out where in the country all 49 %u2018Trees of Hope%u2019 saplings will go, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/TreesOfHope Do you know how to spot a Sycamore when you%u2019re out and about in the city%u2019s parks? Find out how to identify diff erent tree species by joining one of The Parks Trust Tree ID walking events. There are still spaces available on 22nd January. Or test your skills using the charity%u2019s handy Tree ID Guide online at theparkstrust.com/TreeID.Before the illegal felling - the Sycamore Gap Tree on Hadrian%u2019s Wall in Northumberland %u00a9National Trust Images John MillarLeft: A Sycamore Gap sapling at the National Trust Plant Conservation Centre, summer 2024 %u00a9National Trust Images James Dobson