Creative Commission for Sycamore Gap Tree

Two years after the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, the National Trust is launching a major creative commission to mark its legacy and inspire a renewed connection with nature. The Sycamore Gap tree, one of the most photographed and loved trees in Britain, stood proudly alongside Hadrian’s Wall and was a symbol of the North East’s natural beauty. Its unexpected loss in September 2023 sparked a wave of emotion and reflection across the UK and beyond. Now, we’re inviting artists, organisations and creative agencies to submit proposals that will breathe life into the wood saved from the felled tree. This extraordinary opportunity will see up to five shortlisted artists receive funding to develop their ideas, with one final concept selected in early 2026.