Rhiwbeina Primary School helping to mind the Sycamore Gap

Image: National Trust

Rhiwbeina Primary School held a landmark event today (Monday 24 November) planting their ‘Tree of Hope’ - a sapling from the renowned Sycamore Gap Tree which stood at Hadrian's Wall before it was illegally felled in September 2023.

The 200-year-old tree, which stood within Northumberland National Park on land cared for by the National Trust, was an iconic landmark visited by thousands of people every year. Seeking to provide a legacy arising from this tragedy, the conservation charity is gifting saplings grown from seeds rescued in the aftermath of the felling to individuals, groups and communities across the UK.

Following a nationwide call which attracted nearly 500 applications, the Trust announced, late last year, the recipients of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings, one for each foot of the sycamore's height. The applications were judged by a panel of experts, led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist, Catherine Nuttgens.

This is a huge achievement for Rhiwbeina Primary which is one of only three successful applicants from Wales and one of only two primary schools in the UK.

Their winning entry impressed the judges by emphasising the pupils' passion for nature and for spending time outdoors, as well as how the Sycamore Gap has provided learning opportunities about the importance of trees and its symbolism as hope in the face of man's foolishness.

A last-minute hitch with a delay in the delivery of the sapling almost caused the cancellation of today's event. But, thanks to the speedy intervention of deputy head, Mr Clarke, who drove to the Newport sorting office on Saturday to pick up the valuable cargo, proceedings continued as planned.

The event was marked by current Year 6 pupils performing songs, including a solo rendition of Olivia Rodrigo's Can't Catch Me Now, as well as dance and poetry with the children representing leaves, trees and the guardians of nature. Former Year 6 pupils were welcomed back to the school to explain their vital role in developing the successful entry and to participate in the planting itself.

Speaking to the now Year 7s after the planting, they stressed their shock at the news of the Sycamore Gap's mindless felling and their determination to succeed in bringing a ‘Tree of Hope’ to Rhiwbina. As the pupils said: "This is all about hope, which is present in even the darkest times, and the ability to rise up again

against the odds".

In addition to past and present pupils, Julie Morgan MS, Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education of Cardiff Council, school governors and National Trust representatives attended.