WOODCRAFT Folk’s Biblins Youth Campsite have just planted its Sycamore Gap sapling after being nominated as one the recipients of the National Trust’s 49 ‘Trees of Hope’.

Woodcraft Folk was one of 500 applications for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling.

The location of the sapling was chosen by staff at Biblins Youth Campsite after which centre manager Cat Crimmins said: “The chosen site is in a publicly accessible space, close to the River Wye and in the background is our version of the gap, which made the original Sycamore tree so iconic.”

At Sunday’s ceremony, the digging of the hole and planting of the tree was given over to the young members from the local group of Woodcraft Folk Elfins.

Biblins is situated in mature ancient woodlands, which are highly valued by visiting groups as well as members of the public who explore the numerous footpaths that weave through the site and immerse themselves in nature.

Last month the young members of the Woodcraft Folk’s Forest of Dean Elfin group learnt about the unauthorised felling of the Sycamore Gap tree and drew pictures of what it looked like, which will go on display at Biblins Youth Campsite.

Ms Crimmins added that trees have been an important symbol in Woodcraft Folk’s 100-year history and said: “This is a wonderful occasion as part of this milestone anniversary year and it is lovely that the Forest of Dean Elfin Group could plant the tree on our behalf.

“I’m sure in time that the tree will become as iconic as the original Sycamore Gap tree was, as we look ahead to the future of the next 100 years of our youth work.”

Woodcraft Folk is one of the UK’s leading youth organisations, and has been empowering its young members to speak up for nature.

● In July this year two men were given prison sentences of four years and three months each after being found guilty following an eight-day trial for the unauthorised felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in September 2023 and criminal damage to Hadrian’s Wall, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a World Heritage Site.

Newcastle Crown Court was told that Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both from the Carlisle area of Cumbria, had travelled to the site overnight on September 27, where one of them filmed the other using a chainsaw to fell the tree – before taking a small section with them.

In the days following, the pair exchanged messages and voice notes gloating at the outpouring of emotion and the consequences of their actions.

The judge, Mrs Justice Lambert said the felling caused widespread distress and told them: “You revelled in the coverage, taking pride in what you have done, knowing you were responsible for the crime so many people were talking about.

“Whether that was the sole explanation for what you did, I do not know, however I know you are both equally culpable.”