Happy Sequel to Sycamore Gap Tree’s Sad End
Image courtesy of yorkshireman at Pixabay
While it’s not strictly local news, we wanted to share something that seems a little light of hope in what can be a bit of a grey world.
We love a bit of history and particularly revel in stuff that has been around for centuries, so we were upset to hear about the Sycamore Gap tree which was cut down last year. If you recall, the tree had been standing by Hadrian’s Wall since it was planted in the 19th century, until last September when it was cut down, in what has been described as a ‘deliberate act of vandalism’.
Only a stump was left of the tree that had been popular with photographers for many years, but representatives of the National Trust gathered up seeds and twigs from the ground, These were rushed to a secret location in Devon where experts work with genetic copies of some of the UK’s most valuable and interesting plants.
Among these wonders are genetic copies of the apple tree that is said to have inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s work on gravity.
Now the Sycamore Gap tree is sprouting back into life from its seeds and cuttings and if the stump, still in its original location, fails to regrow, one of the new shoots could take its place. Others will be given to schools and communities.
There is something truly uplifting about nature’s continuance. And considering the damage we humans inflict on the planet, it is lovely to hear stories of people assisting in the process of regeneration.
In a small way, in my little corner, I am always delighted to be able to pass on some of my beautiful lemon geranium. It’s a doddle making cuttings of it and I relish the fact that it came into my possession about 50 years ago and bits of it have been repotted and given away many, many times – hopefully delighting lots of others with its lemony scent, soft leaves and occasional little flowers.
We wish the Sycamore Gap tree a similar renewal.
Do you have a favourite plant with a history? Please do tell us. We would love to hear from you.
