A WOODLAND trail created as a lasting legacy for the tragically felled Sycamore Gap tree was officially opened today (Friday April 25^th).

When the famous Northumberland tree was felled in 2023, award-winning Yorkshire-based artist Lucy Pittaway was inundated with requests to paint Sycamore Gap. In doing so, she made a pledge to plant a tree for every print sold and create an enduring memorial that could be enjoyed by generations to come.

With thousands of prints of the now iconic painting sold, Lucy has been able to honour her pledge. A total of 1,000 trees have been planted at Swinton Estate, near Masham, creating the Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail, which was officially opened yesterday.

Invited guests including Lucy and Neil Pittaway and Felicity and Mark Cunliffe-Lister gathered at the Druid’s Temple at Swinton Estate for an opening ceremony to officially open the Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail and the culmination of months of planning and hard work.

Official ribbon-cutting duties were undertaken by the star of the ‘Yorkshire Vet’ Julian Norton, before guests enjoyed a guided walk around the trail, which also features artwork from local artists.

Lucy said: “When the tree was felled we were inundated with requests to immortalise it in a painting. I only wanted to do so if its creation could become a legacy to the tree, and contribute positively to the environment and wider community.

“This trail, created in partnership with the Swinton team, does just that and we’re incredibly proud to see this commemoration of Sycamore Gap, a tree which represents so much for so many people, spring into life to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Some areas of woodland on the Swinton Estate had been recently impacted by larch tree blight, which led to areas being cleared to help bring the spread of the disease under control. One of these surrounded the iconic Druid’s Temple, which created the ideal setting for a new tree-planting scheme. Sales of Lucy’s Sycamore Gap have contributed more than 1000 trees including sycamore, oak, rowan, hazel and other native trees, creating the Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail.

The trees now form part of a destination woodland and trail which will, over time, include sculptures, art resources and attractions – bringing to life Lucy’s vision for a fitting memorial for Sycamore Gap which stood alongside Hadrian’s Wall for 200 years.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister said: “This painting’s legacy is truly incredible, with over 1000 trees now planted to create a new trail on the Estate.

“The trees planted over the last year help replace the trees that were sadly lost to avoid the spread of larch blight. We hope that the connection to Lucy’s beautiful painting brings many people to this new woodland as it matures over the coming years. For one tree to inspire the planting of 1000 more is remarkable; we are delighted to be able to host this on our Estate.”

Initial pieces of sculpture have been placed and a nationwide art competition to find additional pieces for display is set to be launched. The two ends of the trail are marked with gateways created with large rings surrounded by a bridge of larch logs, designed by Mark Wilkinson. The log-pile arch is packed with moss and other plant material, to create a sustainable wildlife haven for minibeasts.

The first of a series of sculptures have now been installed in trees on the trail, with woven wicker ‘pods’ created by Jess Wilkinson suspended high above the ground. The pods are inspired by bird nests and organic forms. Jess has also planted a Willow Tunnel on the footpath leading to the Druid’s Temple, formed of different varieties of living willow, all grown locally in North Yorkshire. Further sculptures will be added over the coming months.

Lucy added: “The trail is a living, breathing legacy which will continue to evolve and develop. As the seasons change, the trees will continue to grow and I’m excited that over the coming months we will continue to add sculptures and other elements to the trail. We will continue to plant trees in other locations and look forward to seeing the Sycamore Gap legacy live on and on.”