THAMES Valley Police has become the only police force in the country to receive one of the saplings from the felled Sycamore Gap tree.
One of 49 saplings from the tree is now set to be homed and grown at the Sulhamstead Police Training Centre, where new police officer recruits are trained, and which also features a number of gardens.
The force says it hopes that future generations of police officers will be inspired by the sapling’s story, which is now part of the force’ legacy.
The planting of the sapling, grown from seeds rescued from the felled tree, marked White Ribbon Day, a national initiative that aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence.
The Sycamore Gap tree, also called the Robin Hood tree, was a sycamore growing next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland and one of the UK’s most photographed individual trees.
It was illegally felled in 2023 after having stood at the site for over 120 years, however sprouts have since grown from the remaining stump and cuttings have been taken from the site.
The National Trust chose 49 individuals, communities and organisations around the UK to receive a sapling as part of a push to create a legacy for the Sycamore Gap tree.
Police Constable Katie Mitchell personally applied to the National Trust’s Trees of Hope project.
PC Mitchell said: “When I heard about the Trees of Hope project, 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.
“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.
“Every time someone walks past this tree, I hope they’re reminded that change is possible and that they are never alone.”
Lynne Elliot, CEO of White Ribbon UK: “Thames Valley Police have been White Ribbon accredited since 2022.
“We are very proud of the work they have done both within the force and with their partners and the general public.
“This sapling is a symbol of hope, representing the work Thames Valley Police do to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence, therefore preventing it from happening in the first place.”
Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of Public Protection and Safeguarding Lee Barnham said: “Sadly, many do not recognise themselves as victims due to the coercive nature of abuse. We want people to feel safe and supported when coming forward.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out–you are not alone.”
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “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.”
