The Brixton-based Make It Stop campaign is today (29 November) named as one of the 49 recipients of a National Trust “Trees of Hope” sapling.
The brutal felling of the much-loved Sycamore Gap tree (above) on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland in September 2023 shocked many people for whom it was a symbol of hope.
Some 49 saplings grown from the tree’s seeds are being planted across the UK as Trees of Hope.
The Lambeth Make It Stop sapling will be planted in a public location; the exact spot is being finalised.
“To the Make It Stop campaign, the tree will represent the hope that still abounds in our communities, despite the senseless acts of violence and destruction that have resulted in the deaths of many loved ones through knife crime,” said Make It Stop.
Nearly 500 applications were received by The National Trust, which announced the successful 49 in National Tree Week.
The 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height of the tree at the time of felling – are being cared for at the National Trust’s plant conservation centre. They should be sturdy enough to plant out next winter.
“Hope is an essential component in combatting negative feelings and behaviour,” said Romilla Arber, co-founder with Brixton’s Pastor Lorraine Jones, of the Make It Stop campaign.
“The sapling as it grows and gets stronger will be a powerful symbol of hope as well as those small acts of kindness that when combined, in community action, can overcome hatred and violence.”
The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens.
“Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature,” said Andrew Poad, National Trust general manager for Northumberland Coast and Hadrian’s Wall country.
“They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices. It’s been a privilege to read them all.”
Catherine Nuttgens said the loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions – none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree.
“Its destruction felt utterly senseless,” she said, “destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons.
“But the ‘Trees of Hope initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications but a difficult task to select the final 49 recipients.”
More information and where all of the 49 Trees of Hope saplings will go
Make It Stop is a campaign focused on tackling knife crime and reducing violence within our communities and driven by an impassioned coalition.
It shines a spotlight on the heartbreaking impact of knife crime while working to inspire young people to choose peace over violence.
