Artists given chance to use wood from felled Sycamore Gap tree

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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/28/sycamore-gap-tree-art-national-trust-uk

Artists given chance to use wood from felled Sycamore Gap tree

Two years after the tree was cut down, the National Trust says it wants to turn a sense of loss ‘into a sense of hope’

Mark Brown North of England correspondent
Sun 28 Sep 2025 02.00 EDT

Artists are being asked for ideas to create a “nationally important” work from the wood of the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree which, organisers hope, will be galvanising and inspiring.

The National Trust has revealed details of a huge creative commission, offering the chance for artists, organisations or creative agencies to use half of the tree’s timber to produce something incredible.

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Its felling brought an international outpouring of sadness and anger, and prompted debates about our relationship with nature.

There were initially some who hoped an artwork might stand in the tree’s place. But there were “astonishing” signs of new growth sprouting from the stump, prompting hopes it will be nature that decides what comes next.

The trust is aiming for the new commission to turn a sense of loss “into a sense of hope, creative possibility, and reconnection with the natural world”.

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The trust said it would be inviting people and groups to submit ideas between 13 October and 17 November. Up to five will then be shortlisted and offered £5,000 to develop their ideas.

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