A YOUTH campsite beside the River Wye is set to be given one of the 49 Sycamore Gap ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings in its centenary year, the National Trust has announced.

The Woodcraft Folk’s Biblins Campsite is one of the lucky locations chosen from 500 applications.

The 49 saplings represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of its unauthorised felling next to Hadrian's Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland.

The saplings, which have been grown from its seed, are being cared for at the charity’s plant conservation centre, and they should be strong and sturdy enough to plant out in winter 2025/26.

The sapling’s new home on the Doward, near the Biblins footbridge which marks the England-Wales border, will be located in a publicly accessible space, enabling people to feel part of the iconic tree’s legacy.

Woodcraft Folk, one of the UK’s leading youth organisations, is thrilled to be receiving one of the saplings after years of empowering its young members to speak up for nature.

The charity runs over 250 local groups for young people nationally, and many visit the Biblins each year for camping stays and outdoor learning activities.

The Biblins is situated in mature ancient woodlands which are highly valued by visiting groups as well as members of the public who explore the footpaths that weave through the site and immerse themselves in nature.

The site is a perfect location for one of the saplings, where young Woodcraft Folk participants who were upset to hear of the destruction of the Sycamore Gap Tree can learn about the importance of nature conservation.

Biblins Centre manager Michael Lawrence said: “Trees have been an important symbol in Woodcraft Folk’s 100-year history. The charity's nature and environment principles encourage understanding, enjoyment and protection of our environment both locally and globally amongst our young members.

“The arrival of the Sycamore Gap sapling represents hope and we can’t think of a more significant way to celebrate our centenary than planting the sapling as we look ahead to the future of the next 100 years of our youth work.”

Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature.

“They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, it’s been a privilege to read them all.

“Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter, not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling.”

Arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens added: “The loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions – none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree. Its destruction felt utterly senseless.

“But the ‘Trees of Hope initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications, but a difficult task to select the final 49.”