Suffolk college student plants 'tree of hope' in honour of environmental legacy

Why it matters: Suffolk New College's Suffolk Rural campus is the only organisation in Suffolk to receive one of 49 saplings grown from the iconic tree that stood by Hadrian's Wall before being illegally felled in September 2023.

The details: Freddie Martin, from Rattlesden, is on an introduction to college course and was selected to plant the 'tree of hope'. "I hope to go on to study horticulture in the future – so it was a big moment for me," he said.

The saplings were cared for by the National Trust's Plant Conservation Centre, with one sapling representing each foot in height that the tree stood at the time of the illegal felling. Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings.

Emma Taylor, who helped the college win an AOC Beacon Award for their environmental awareness campaign two years ago, put the college forward for the scheme. "We are the only organisation in Suffolk to receive a tree of hope – so we are honoured to have been chosen for this," she said. "It's a very special day for the college. We look at the tree as being a symbol of everything good that we do in our community."

What they're saying: Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust's Hadrian Wall properties, said: "To be able to keep the story of the Sycamore Gap alive in all four corners of the UK and in so many different settings is a fitting tribute, and we hope that, just like the original tree, these young saplings will touch many people's lives."

Cllr Pat Bruce-Brown, who attended the planting, said: "It's inspiring."

For context: The tree has been planted outside a memorial garden area created and named in honour of the former principal of the college, Viv Gillespie, who passed away in 2023. The planting took place during National Tree Week.

Other organisations to receive a sapling include The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, set up by the former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player who inspired others through his fundraising efforts for MND.

What's next: Students are planning to design a garden based around the theme of Hadrian's Wall next year, which will be situated behind the 'tree of hope'.

Members of the public can see the tree at the annual Suffolk Rural Spring Day event on Sunday, 22 March 2026, as well as the Suffolk Rural Big Day Out on Saturday, 9 May 2026.

The bottom line: A young student with aspirations to study horticulture has planted a living symbol of resilience and hope, ensuring the story of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree continues in Suffolk for generations to come.