This. This means so much to me.
I was very upset when the Sycamore Gap tree was so senselessly cut down. It was so strong and beautiful...so dramatic...so profound a symbol of natural beauty and national pride. And it was chopped down not for political or economic reasons (which would have been bad enough). No - it was chopped down in a stupid, thoughtless, useless act of vandalism. It made me feel sick and furious and horrified all at once.
Fortunately, many people have since shown me that there is still hope. Seedlings are growing from the stump of the tree, which is now protected by a fence. Seeds from the tree were taken to various gardens and nurseries and planted, and numerous seedlings were carefully nurtured until they were strong enough to be planted. The first of these was presented to King Charles, who has planted it in Windsor Great Park. Another, in the picture shown above, was planted in the Yorkshire Dales park. Four more will be planted in other national parks, giving the solitary Sycamore Gap tree a whole family of young trees to replace it.
The felling of the tree should never have happened. But from that awful mess comes a glimmer, and a sign that there is still good in the world.
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