On Friday 20 February, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) held a ceremony to mark the planting of the sapling at the Trust’s Sycamore Unit at Northgate Park in Morpeth.
Chief Executive James Duncan and Dennis Davison, Associate Director for Secure Care Services, were joined by staff and patients at the site.
The National Trust’s Trees of Hope initiative is the symbolic planting of 49 saplings grown from seeds from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree after it was illegally felled in 2023.
There are 49 saplings, one for each foot of the original tree’s height.
The National Trust received nearly 500 applications for the saplings. The selected recipients include community groups, charities and public organisations.
CNTW has named its tree Sycamore Spirit, which was voted for by staff. It will stand as a lasting symbol of hope, renewal and a shared connection to nature.
James Duncan opened the event. He said: “We are honoured to have been chosen to receive one of the Trees of Hope saplings.
“We all know nature plays a huge role in supporting mental health and wellbeing. It feels really special that it has found a home here at our Sycamore Unit, a place dedicated to care, recovery and a sense of belonging.”
Dennis Davison then had the task of planting the tree in the ground.
Recovery and Engagement Lead Lynn Williams also read a poem written by a patient.
The sapling represents hope for patients on their recovery journey, as well as offering a tranquil, natural space.
There are plans for the area around the tree to be developed and transformed into a peaceful, reflective space with the involvement of patients, carers and staff.
CNTW will hold a further celebratory event later in the year when the area is finished.
Research and planning for the planting have been done by NTW Solutions, who will be looking after the tree, ensuring that it thrives.
CNTW’s Sycamore Unit is a secure facility for men with mental illness, learning disabilities or personality disorders.
The unit is named after the iconic tree and Sycamore Gap features in much of the artwork on site, designed to create a calming environment.
