We’re proud to announce the official opening of the Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail on Friday 25th April, a new walking route through the beautiful grounds of Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire.

This special day will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Julian Norton, well-known as the Yorkshire Vet, and a long-standing supporter of the countryside cause.

The Story Behind the Trail
When the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was felled in 2023, it sparked national attention. Among those moved by the event was Lucy Pittaway, who was inundated with requests to create a painting to remember the tree. Lucy agreed, but with a promise: for every print sold, a tree would be planted.

Thanks to the incredible support from the public, over 1,000 saplings have now been planted at Swinton Estate. These include mostly Sycamore, Oak, Rowan, Hazel and other native species.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us by purchasing artwork. I remain steadfast in our commitment to planting a tree for each piece of artwork sold, nurturing our dream for the years ahead.” – Lucy

This new planting forms part of a wider effort to restore the landscape around the Druid’s Temple, a 200-year-old folly nestled within the estate. In recent years, the area has been heavily affected by Phytophthora ramorum, a fungal disease which has devastated tree populations across the UK, particularly Larch and Ash. While that loss has been significant, this replanting effort is a chance to bring something positive back to the area.

Walk the Trail
The Lucy Pittaway Sycamore Gap Trail is open to the public and welcomes walkers of all ages. The route takes you through peaceful woodland past the Druid’s Temple, a spot steeped in history. Along the way, you’ll see the young saplings that have been planted thanks the many Sycamore Gap prints that have been sold. Over time, these will grow to become a lasting legacy, both for the fallen tree and for future generations.

Join Us for the Launch
We’d love you to join us on Friday 25th April for the grand opening. The event is free to attend, and it’s a great opportunity to see the new trail first-hand, meet fellow supporters, and hear a few words about how the project came to life.