Sycamore Gap sapling stolen from Lake District castle grounds
A sapling grown from the felled Sycamore Gap tree has been stolen from Wray Castle near Ambleside in the Lake District. The young tree, planted at the National Trust site in April 2026, disappeared between 9 and 16 June this year. It was one of fifteen saplings grown from seeds of the original tree, which was illegally felled in September 2023.
Laura Lee, general manager at the National Trust, expressed shock at the theft. "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. This tree symbolised resilience and renewal and its loss will be deeply felt." She urged those responsible to "do the right thing return the sapling or come forward," adding "The tree belongs to everyone."
The sapling was planted as part of Branches of Care, a joint initiative by the National Trust and St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston, supporting people experiencing illness, dementia and bereavement through nature.
Jez Westgarth, the Trust's assistant director for Cumbria and Lancashire, suggested the theft may not have been reckless. "It hasn't just been pulled up recklessly - somebody's thought about what they're doing," he said, believing the sapling was taken to be replanted elsewhere. He noted this was the first time he was aware of a plant being stolen at a National Trust site in this way.
Arboriculturist Christopher Neilan said assessing the sapling's value was difficult due to its intangible sentimental worth. "In one sense it's only paint on canvas - in another perhaps it isn't worth anything because you can't sell it on the open market," he said.
In July 2025, Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were jailed for four years and three months for felling the Sycamore Gap tree. They have never revealed their motive.
Cumbria Police is appealing for information. Anyone with details should contact police quoting crime reference CRI10053058 or calling 101.