Brinsbury College selected to be part of National Trust ‘Trees of Hope’ campaign

Brinsbury College said it felt ‘privileged’ and ‘proud’ to be part of an initiative created by the National Trust in honour of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree.

The ‘Trees of Hope’ campaign will see 49 organisations and charities – including Brinsbury College – receive a sapling from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which grew by Hadrian’s Wall and was felled in September 2023.

Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling.

Paul Burry, Head of Learning at Brinsbury College, nominated the college, and said: “We are incredibly honoured and proud to have been selected as one of the incredibly lucky recipients of a sapling.

“We anticipate the sapling will take pride of place at the campus, becoming a beacon of inspiration and hope for the future generations who study with us at Brinsbury College.”

The saplings are currently being cared for at the National Trust Plant Conservation Centre and are expected to be ready for planting next winter.

It’s anticipated the sapling will take it’s place alongside the young trees planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy – a project launched to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.