Sycamore Gap sapling 'vandalised in park'

A sapling of the felled Sycamore Gap tree has been vandalised, a charity that cares for parks in Milton Keynes said.

The Parks Trust said it became aware of the damage to the Tree of Hope and the surrounding paling fence in Stanton Low Park on Thursday, 16 April, and is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The young tree – one of 49 distributed across the UK by the National Trust – was put in to the ground this year after the Sycamore Gap was illegally cut down in September 2023, and two people were jailed.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "The sapling [was] snapped just above the support post, and part of the surrounding paling fence was broken and pulled away."

It added: "Our expert team quickly pruned the budding young tree to try and promote its recovery."

Thames Valley Police have been contacted for comment.

The Parks Trust added it was "saddened by this incident and has reported it to the police; we encourage anyone with information to contact 101".

John Douglas spotted the damage during a walk with his wife, and said they were "both very disappointed, annoyed and saddened that someone would do this".

"We wonder what motivated them to vandalise this piece of nature that people have taken the time and trouble to create for the area," Douglas said.

"It's another act of antisocial behaviour that plagues our society."

Earlier this year, there were concerns that the sampling had been stolen after it was moved from its previous location on the outskirts of the city.

The sampling was planted at its current site due to the site's history and scenic views, with the 12th Century St Peter's Church at the bottom of the valley.

Victoria Miles, chief executive of the trust, previously said: "The planting will serve as a symbol of renewal and connection to the natural world, offering a place for reflection and celebration for our community."

Famous around the world for its position between the hills, there was shock and outrage when the Sycamore Gap was cut down in September 2023.

Daniel Michael Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both from Cumbria, were jailed in July last year for their roles in the crime.

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.