Delighted scientists from the National Trust confirm eight new shoots are growing from the stump of the iconic tree – 10 months after it was tragically felled
While the shoots are only between two and four centimetres tall at the moment, each could one day become part of a canopy for a regenerated tree.
As the shoots grow, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority will continue to monitor them and extend the fencing around the area.
Northumberland National Park ranger Gary Pickles, who discovered the shoots, said: ‘I was first at the scene when the tree was discovered felled, and I remember saying hurriedly that it was gone. Now, I hope I can say that it’s back!’
Mr Pickles says he first spotted the new growth while on a routine check of the areas.
He says: ‘It was serendipitous that I decided to walk up to Sycamore Gap to recce a guided walk planned for September, almost a year to the anniversary.
Mr Pickles adds: ‘My job as ranger for Hadrian’s Wall Path is all about conserving the past. So, in my head I had consigned the tree to history and so I am amazed and delighted that it may have a future after all and is making a go of it.’
This new growth is possible because, even though the main body of the tree was felled, the Sycamore Gap Tree actually never died.
Instead, the trunk and root section continued to live on in the soil and scientists had hoped that it might be strong enough to put out new growth when the seasons changed.
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, said: ‘The tree was a mature, vigorous tree in its prime when it was felled so there was always the potential for the stump to regenerate and it’s fantastic to see the regrowth.’
The plan to preserve the legacy of the Sycamore Gap Tree will now require patience and careful monitoring of the young shoots.
Although the growth is a good sign, the tree remains in a fragile condition and the National Trust will take additional measures to protect the tree.
This includes expanding the fenced-off area around the stump to avoid soil compaction around the tree’s roots.
Mr Poad also asks that people refrain from scattering the ashes of their loved ones in the area either on the stump or on the ground.
While acknowledging that the area is ‘a special location to many people’ he also stresses that ashes could ‘significantly hinder the growing process by limiting the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil.’
The National Trust’s hope is that with careful protection the shoots will naturally grow and develop until a decision can be made about their management.
Mr Poad says: ‘Our aim is to leave all eight shoots to grow for a few years – to see how they develop.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13692711/Sycamore-Gap-Tree-growing-new-shoots.html
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