Trees of Hope

Following the illegal felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in 2023, Elemental Occupational Therapy (EOT) was awarded one of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK, by The National Trust. The award was in recognition of its signficance to the nature-based bereavement support service for adults and children that EOT delivers in North Tyneside.

A working group made up of adults and children that have previously received, or are currently receiving bereavement support from EOT was set up to choose an appropriate public space to plant the tree so that it can serve as a legacy for those loved ones that have died and also provide a contemplative space for the bereaved to visit. On 20th February 2026, the sapling was planted at the Rising Sun Country Park in North Tyneside.

The project aim was to capture information about the participants of the group, the experiences that have brought them into contact with each other and with Cath’s service, and the significance of this project for them and their families.

Through recording and sharing these stories with wider audiences, we aim to shine a light on the experiences of the bereaved in North Tyneside and the hope that this sapling represents.

Cath Darling

Cath is an occupational therapist and founder of the nature based-bereavement service, Elemental Occupational Therapy which supports individuals as they process their grief and adapt to living with a loss. Her nature-based approach creates a nurturing environment where people can connect with nature, reflect and find comfort during a challenging time. Here she talks about her work and the meaning of the Sycamore Gap sapling.

Nature-based bereavement support

The story behind the Sycamore Gap sapling

The Strachan family at the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland

The Strachans at Sycamore Gap

Aimie Strachan

Aimie joined the Garden for Grief project following the death of her husband John in 2024. Here she talks about the importance of the Sycamore Gap tree to their family and shares memories of John.

Memories of the Sycamore Gap Tree

My husband, John Strachan

Danielle with her mother, Dawn

Danielle Sigley

Danielle describes how nature and the outdoors has played a part in helping her to process grief after the death of her mother, Dawn, in 2024.

Using nature to help process grief

My mam, Dawn Kenny

Louise and her husband, Richard

Louise Gulliver

Louise and her husband Richard had a shared love of the outdoors in their life together. Here she shares memories of him and describes how nature, creativity, and the planting of the sapling have helped her to honour his memory .

The Sycamore Gap saplings

My husband, Richard 'Dickie Longboard' Clark

Louise’s husband Marc, with their sons James (l) and George (r)

Louise Tomlinson

In this interview for the Trees of Hope Project, Louise reflects on her life with her husband Marc, shaped by two decades of wild camping, mountain adventures, and a deep family connection to the outdoors. She speaks about the skills he has passed on, the resilience he embodied, and how returning to nature has helped her navigate sudden loss.

My husband, Marc Tomlinson

Ron with his wife Pat, on their wedding day

Ron Hutchinson

Ron describes a long and happy marriage with his wife Pat, and how the grief group helped him to find connection and perspective after her death in 2023.

A life with my wife, Pat Hutchinson

Ron's story about Sycamore Gap

Louise’s mother, Joyce

Louise Appleby

In this interview for the Trees of Hope Project, Louise reflects on her complicated but ultimately healing relationship with her mum Joyce, describing how forgiveness and care helped them rebuild a deep bond. She also speaks about finding comfort in nature and the way projects like Trees of Hope create spaces where people can connect, heal, and help one another.

My mother, Joyce

The Garden for Grief Community

A Sycamore Gap sapling at the National Trust Plant Conservation Centre, summer 2024

Geraldine Astbury

Geraldine reflects on the sapling as a powerful symbol of renewal, something positive growing from devastation, and a way for strangers to come together in shared remembrance. She also speaks about choosing the Gaelic name síoraí, honouring her Irish heritage and expressing the enduring love, connection, and community that continue beyond loss.