Mystery of stolen Sycamore Gap tree sapling continues

The mystery of the stolen Sycamore Gap tree sapling continues after police were unable to identify the culprit behind the theft.

The sapling grown from a seed of the felled Sycamore Gap tree was planted at Wray Castle, near Ambleside, Cumbria, in April 2026.

It was one of 49 grown from seeds taken from the sycamore, which was illegally felled in September 2023.

The saplings were planted at national parks across the UK as a “symbol of hope and resilience among our most protected landscapes”, the National Trust said.

But the tree was uprooted and taken away in June leaving the National Trust “shocked and saddened”.

Cumbria Police investigated the theft, believed to have taken place between 9 June and 16 June.

However, police have been forced to close the investigation after it explored all lines of inquiry. Yet, they still urged people with information about the crime to contact the force.

The planted sapling marked the launch of a wellbeing initiative by the National Trust and St Mary's Hospice in Ulverston supporting people experiencing illness, dementia, and bereavement through nature.

It has been almost three years since Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham chopped down the Sycamore Gap tree, made famous after featuring in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Carruthers and Graham were each jailed for four years and three months following the crime.

After the theft of the sapling, a National Trust spokesperson said: “We are shocked and saddened that a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree that was gifted to the Lake District National Park and planted at Wray in April 2026 has been stolen.

“Grown from seeds gathered from the much-loved tree at Hadrian's Wall, which was illegally felled in 2023, it was one of fifteen saplings planted across the UK's National Parks as a symbol of hope and resilience among our most protected landscapes.”

“This tree symbolised resilience and renewal, and its loss will be deeply felt. We are working with Cumbria Police and ask anyone with information to come forward. While this is a setback, it does not undermine the spirit the tree represents. Acts of care, restoration, and community support remain far stronger.

“We urge those involved to do the right thing, return the sapling, or come forward. The tree belongs to everyone.”