The People's Tree: A Living Legacy of Connection and Reflection Along Hadrian's Wall
The People’s Tree has been selected as the winner of the commemorative Sycamore Gap commission, with roots in the North East. The idea, proposed by Helix Arts and George King Architects, received the most votes and was endorsed by an expert judging panel. The competition aimed to create a lasting legacy from the tree that was illegally felled in September 2023, disrupting the iconic view of Hadrian’s Wall. The announcement of the winner coincides with the growth of healthy shoots from the remaining stump, hinting at the possibility of a new tree in the future.
The People’s Tree project aims to transform the tree’s legacy into a shared and living experience. Through a national participation program, individuals will be invited to share their reflections on their connections with trees and nature. The project will involve creating a digital soundtrack by scanning the tree’s rings and compiling stories and audio recordings for exhibitions and workshops across the UK. Artworks made from sections of the tree's wood will be created by communities and local artists, culminating in a sound sculpture with a time capsule to be placed along Hadrian’s Wall.
The work on The People’s Tree commission will commence this summer, with Helix Arts and GKA collaborating with the National Trust, local partners, and communities along Hadrian’s Wall. The project is expected to be completed by autumn 2027. The project directors emphasize the importance of connecting and collaborating with communities to create spaces for reflection and reconnection. The project aims to resonate beyond the North East by sharing stories and experiences digitally to understand the impact of the tree's loss nationally.
George King of GKA expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the opportunity to engage with communities across the UK and create a place for reflection and connection. The project was praised by Annie Reilly of the National Trust for its focus on fostering conversations between people and the tree, inviting reflection and reconnection with nature and each other. The proposal was commended for its generosity, care, and ambition in creating a lasting legacy locally and nationally.
The People’s Tree project will complement existing initiatives honoring the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree, including the Trees of Hope sapling program, community partnerships, exhibitions, and touring artworks. The project aims to create a meaningful and shared experience that celebrates the tree's legacy and fosters connections between people and nature.