The National Trust have said there are “positive signs” that seeds and cuttings taken from the Sycamore Gap tree will create new descendants.
The tree, which had stood for two centuries, was felled in an act of vandalism – leaving people furious. Teams from the National Trust collected material at the scene which they hoped would be “viable for propagating” to produce new saplings and trees.
Officials have since said they are “hoping” the trunk of the original tree could still regrow, but it could be three years before they know whether this is even a possibility.
Andy Jasper, who is director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, said: “After discovering the felled tree, our teams were quickly on the scene to collect material that would enable us to propagate from the tree.
“This work is taking place in our specialist rare plant propagation nursery and although this wasn’t really the right time of year to do this work, we are encouraged by positive signs of life, and are hopeful that over 30 percent of the mature seeds and half of the cuttings will be viable, which means we can hopefully grow new descendants from the tree in the future.
“Over the next year, we’ll be doing all we can to nurture the seeds and cuttings, in the hope that some will grow into strong, sturdy saplings – providing a new future for this much-loved tree.
“We are also hoping that the trunk of the original tree will regrow, but it could take up to three years before we know if this is possible. As with many things in landscape restoration, we need to be patient and take the time to let nature do its thing.”
The iconic landmark rose to fame after it featured in the 1991 Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.
The tree was also popular with locals in the area, as well as photographers and artists.
The National Trust said it is also working on a “fitting tribute” to the tree to ensure its legacy lives on.
Officials said this follows an unprecedented public response to the felling on National Trust and Northumberland National Park’s social media channels.
