Stage One: Sycamore Gap Tree Sculpture Reopens for Visitors to Hug Again
Artist’s Vision for the Installation
Artist Charlie Whinney played a pivotal role in creating the memorial. He received the trunk in June 2023 and meticulously prepared it for display. Whinney described the wood as “really nice to work with, ” emphasizing the care he took in preserving its essence. The trunk, measuring over 6 feet long, has been fitted with a three-pronged metal baseplate to ensure it stands upright. Whinney’s design incorporates community input, with benches surrounding the trunk allowing visitors to sit and engage with the memorial. The benches feature inscriptions from public contributions, reflecting the diverse experiences people had with the tree.
Community Engagement in the Memorial Design
The creation of the memorial was deeply rooted in community involvement. A public consultation gathered thousands of responses, including letters and emails expressing sentiments about the tree. The Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) read every submission, ensuring that the final design resonated with those who cherished the Sycamore Gap tree. Nick Greenall from the Creative Communities art collective highlighted the importance of representing the community’s love for the tree. He stated, “It shows by its absence how much it meant to people, ” underscoring the tree’s role as a landmark for numerous personal and communal milestones.
Emotional Connection Through Words
The installation features three benches with canopies formed from curved wooden stems and leaves. These benches are inscribed with words chosen to encapsulate the emotional journey of loss and hope. Rosie Thomas, NNPA’s business development director, noted that the words reflect a range of feelings, from grief to aspirations for the future. Each visitor’s interaction with the memorial creates a unique experience, as they read the inscriptions and reflect on their own memories.
Hope for the Future
Tony Gates, chief executive of the NNPA, expressed his enthusiasm for the memorial’s unveiling, stating that it represents a “ray of hope for the future.” He acknowledged the emotional toll of the past 18 months, during which many felt they had lost not just a tree but also the memories associated with it. The memorial now serves as a reminder to honor nature and commit to positive actions for the environment.
Sentencing of the Perpetrators
As the community comes together to celebrate the memorial, the individuals responsible for the tree’s destruction, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, are awaiting sentencing on July 15,
2024. Their actions have prompted a global conversation about the importance of protecting natural landmarks and the cultural heritage they embody. In conclusion, the Sycamore Gap tree memorial stands as a testament to community resilience and the enduring connection people have with nature. It invites visitors to remember the past while fostering hope for a more sustainable future.
