Planting complete for Lucy Pittaway’s woodland project borne out of tree tragedy on the Swinton Estate
The loss of a single tree has inspired the planting of a thousand more on the Swinton Estate near Masham, North Yorkshire, thanks to Richmond-based artist, Lucy Pittaway.
The unauthorised felling of the famous tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland led to public outrage when the picture-perfect image was ruined in September 2023. Following calls from her fans to immortalise the tree in her trademark soft pastels, Lucy created a stunning image in her colourful style – and a promise that every print sold would contribute to the planting of a tree in replacement.
Felicity and Mark Cunliffe-Lister volunteered the Swinton Estate as the venue for the mass planting, following its own tragedy which led to the felling of the majority of its mature larch specimens. An area adjacent to the Druids Temple had to be cleared to stop the spread of larch blight, a disease that targeted the variety. Over 1000 trees have now been planted, predominantly sycamore, but also oak, cherry, and crab apple, which will create the Lucy Pittaway Trail to be enjoyed by thousands of visitors in the generations to come.
Lucy said: “To see this new woodland and the trail coming to life is wonderful. It was incredibly important to me that what we are creating here at the beautiful Swinton Estate should be a lasting and fitting memorial to the felled Sycamore Gap tree. With the planting of 1000 trees as well as the installation of these initial pieces of art, that is certainly the case. And while planting may be completed, our journey here is really only just beginning.
“As the seasons change, the trees will continue to grow and I’m excited that over the coming months we will continue to add sculptures and other elements to the trail.”
“Lucy’s painting of such an iconic scene of Sycamore Gap near Hadrian’s Wall was always going to be very popular, and this painting’s legacy is truly incredible, with over 1000 trees now planted to create a new trail on the Estate,” comments Felicity Cunliffe-Lister. “The first whips went in earlier this year, and larger trees added in the autumn to complete the planting scheme, and replace the trees that were sadly lost to avoid the spread of larch blight. We hope that the connection to Lucy’s beautiful painting brings many people to this new woodland as it matures over the coming years. For one tree to inspire the planting of 1000 more is absolutely remarkable; we are delighted to be able to host this on our Estate.”
The new planting fits perfectly with the Swinton Estate’s approach to sustainability, particularly after the larch cull, which has been replicated all over the country. The felling has been managed across the Swinton Estate over recent years, making a significant change to the forest landscape.
The two ends of the trail are marked with gateways created with large rings surrounded by a bridge of larch logs, designed by Mark Wilkinson. The log-pile arch will be packed with moss and other plant material, to create a sustainable wildlife haven for minibeasts. The first of a series of sculptures have now been installed in trees on the trail, with woven wicker ‘pods’ created by Jess Wilkinson suspended high above the ground. The pods are inspired by bird nests and organic forms, and hidden cameras will observe any wildlife that makes its home in these luxurious nesting pods. Further sculptures will be added over the coming months.
The human part of the trail is now almost complete, with signage due to be installed ahead of the trail’s official opening next Spring. Mother Nature will now step in to add foliage and wildflowers to the trail area, and grow the newly-planted saplings and larger trees into a woodland oasis, where visitors can enjoying a relaxing walk before heading down to the Druid’s Temple, and on to breathe in the expansive views over the Yorkshire Dales. “Sycamore Gap was a place visited by generations of the same family – and indeed, Lucy’s twins visited the spot she remembers from her own childhood not long before the tree was chopped down. We hope that many more will follow in their footsteps and visit this new woodland as it starts to mature,” adds Felicity.
Prints and items featuring the Sycamore Gap painting by Lucy Pittaway are available on her website:
Sycamore Gap by Lucy Pittaway
