Sycamore Gap sapling finds it new home with Thames Valley Police Living symbol of hope and resilience, says Police Constable who applied to be part of National Trust project

Thames Valley Police (TVP) has today become the first and only police force in the country to receive one of the saplings grown from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. It has been planted at its training centre in Berkshire. 

It is one of 49 saplings given by the National Trust to individuals, communities and organisations across the UK to create a legacy for the Sycamore Gap tree, which stood next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for over 120 years before it was illegally felled in September 2023. 

The planting of the sapling, grown from seeds rescued from the felled tree, marks White Ribbon Day, a national initiative that aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence. 

Nature enthusiast Police Constable Katie Mitchell personally applied to the National Trust’s Trees of Hope project. The sapling has been planted at Sulhamstead House, where all new recruits are trained. The site is also home to a museum and extensive gardens. 

“When I heard about the Trees of Hope project,” Katie said, “I knew Thames Valley Police had to be part of it.  

“Planting this sapling isn’t just about preserving a piece of history – it’s about creating a living symbol of hope and resilience.”  

Katie wants the tree to represent policing’s unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting victims of violence, especially women and girls. 

“It represents our unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting victims of violence against women and girls, which in my experience sadly often takes the form of domestic abuse.  

“In my role training new officers, I am particularly passionate about empowering officers, so they can support and achieve justice for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual offences, and rape.” 

The planting of the sapling, grown from seeds rescued from the felled tree, marks White Ribbon Day, a national initiative that aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence.  

Detective Chief Superintendent, Head of Public Protection and Safeguarding, Lee Barnham, commented: “Sycamore trees are known for their ability to thrive in challenging conditions, much like the people who choose to enter a career in policing and dedicate their lives to protecting our communities.  

“By turning up to work every day and doing our jobs to the best of our ability, we are striving to give new hope to victims and survivors.” 

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties commented: “It’s incredible to think that the first “offspring” of this very famous tree are now being planted – it feels like just yesterday that those tentative first shoots appeared.  

“Over the next couple of years, the saplings will really start to take shape, and because sycamores are so hardy, we’re confident they’ll be able to withstand a range of conditions.    

“To be able to keep the story of the Sycamore Gap alive in all four corners of the UK and in so many different settings is a fitting tribute, and we hope that, just like the original tree, these young saplings will touch many people’s lives.”