Sycamore Gap · A new creative commission

The People's Tree

A living artwork carried by the voices of the people who loved the tree at Sycamore Gap.

One tree, thousands of voices

When the sycamore at Sycamore Gap fell in September 2023, the loss was felt far beyond Northumberland. People remembered first kisses and last walks, scattered ashes and childhood dares, a silhouette on the skyline that told them they were home.

The People's Tree is the winning commission chosen to honour that legacy. It stands as a tall, hand-worked form on the Hadrian's Wall landscape - and it listens. Spoken memories gathered from the public become part of the work itself.

This is where your voice joins it.

How to take part

Step 1

Record or upload

Speak straight into your device for up to five minutes, or upload an audio file you have already made.

Step 2

Listen back

Play your story back and record it again if you would like another go. Nothing is sent until you are happy.

Step 3

Add your details

Tell us who you are, agree to the terms, and send your story to the team curating the artwork.

It was not just a tree. It was the place we measured our lives against.

Ready when you are

There is no right way to do this. A sentence is enough. So is ten minutes of remembering out loud.

Share your story