Suffolk New College said it was ‘honoured’ to be part of a new initiative that has been created by the National Trust.
The campaign called ‘Trees of Hope’ has seen 49 organisations and charities receive a sapling from an iconic Sycamore Gap tree that was situated by Hadrian’s Wall and felled in September 2023.
The saplings are currently being cared for by the National Trust conservation team and will be ready for planting in the autumn of 2025.
The Suffolk Rural campus was one of the lucky organisations to be chosen to participate in this scheme.
The site where the sapling will be planted was visited by College chair Terry Baxter and principal Alan Pease this week.
(Other organisations to gain a sapling include The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a place set up by the legendary former Leeds Rhino rugby league player who inspire others by his money raising efforts for MND).
Emma Taylor – who helped the college scoop an educational Oscar last year when they won an AOC Beacon Award for their ongoing environmental awareness campaign – put the college forward for this.
Emma said: “500 organisations were involved so we feel lucky, honoured and delighted to have been chosen.
“The tree will be situated right outside the front of the college and will be a constant beacon of hope to generations of students who choose to study with us at Suffolk’s land-based educational home.”