honouring the legacy of the sycamore gap tree

The Sycamore Gap was home to one of Britain’s most photographed and beloved trees, which stood as a powerful symbol of connection to nature for millions of people. Its unexpected felling in September 2023 deeply affected the public, sparking a wave of grief, reflection, and renewed environmental awareness.

This commission seeks to transform that sense of loss into a deeper movement—encouraging individuals and communities to reconnect with nature, value the landscapes around them, and explore how personal identity is intertwined with the natural world. This commission invites participatory responses for working with the wood. A selection of seasoned wood will be made available for the chosen commission. We envisage up to 50% of the total timber from the tree will be made available for this commission.

The application process is in two stages. Round one will be an open call for expressions of interest. Round two – we will then select up to 5 initial proposals, who will have access to the catalogue of wood. Selected proposals will also receive up to £5,000 to cover all expenses to develop a more detailed proposal.

These proposals will be publicly displayed online and a public vote will be part of the judges’ decision making in early 2026 – we expect to announce the winning commission in February 2026. We envisage proposals will create something which will have national impact and relevance, and which will use the wood to engage and inspire many people.

We are inviting proposals for how an artist or other practitioner will work with the wood in creative and inventive ways. We value co-creation and an audience-first approach. Please see the 49 Trees of Hope as an example of the way we have approached this to date.