|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
| The National Trust has announced Cath Darling, bereavement occupational therapist, as one of the recipients of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK. |
Cath has been working as an occupational therapist at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for 10 years on a part-time basis with the rest of her time dedicated to her nature based-bereavement service, Elemental Occupational Therapy. The service supports individuals as they process their grief and adapt to living with a loss. Her nature-based approach creates a nurturing environment where people can connect with nature, reflect and find comfort during a challenging time. Originally encouraged to apply for a sapling by her clients, Cath soon recognised that the values of the project by the National Trust align with those of her service. There was an outpouring of grief when Sycamore Gap was felled and these saplings symbolise hope and continued growth, reflecting the journey an individual experiences when dealing loss, despite the hardship it brings.Talking about receiving the sapling, Cath said: “Bereavement has a significant impact upon both physical and mental health conditions. Connecting to nature and the outdoors has been proven to improve health outcomes and access meaningful relief. Our Tree of Hope will hopefully initiate conversations about the impact that loss has upon us all.”The sapling will be planted in North Tyneside in an area of high footfall so that the impact of this new beginning can be felt by a large amount of people. Currently the saplings are being cared for at the charity’s Plant Conservation Centre, and they should be strong and sturdy enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26.This follows the trust’s announcement of also being named a recipient of a sapling due to the significant impact Sycamore Gap had on the wellbeing of staff.Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature. They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it’s been a privilege to read them all.“The tree meant so much to so many and through the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come.“Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling next year.”The entries were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by independent judge and arboriculture specialist Catherine Nuttgens.Catherine commented: “The Sycamore is one of the most architecturally beautiful trees in our landscape. In summer, their dark green leaves create a canopy that looks almost like broccoli, while in winter, they create a silhouette that perfectly depicts what we think of when we think of a tree.“The loss of any tree can evoke strong emotions – none more so than the Sycamore Gap tree. Its destruction felt utterly senseless, destroying the simple joy it brought to so many people for so many reasons. But the ‘Trees of Hope initiative has kept that sense of joy and hope alive, and it has been truly humbling to read through so many applications but a difficult task to select the final 49 recipients.“The stories have come from every corner of the UK and every walk of life. Their words reflect the hope and kindness that human beings are capable of, which feels like such a fitting response to the loss of this precious tree.”For more information and to find out where in the country all of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings will go visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/TreesOfHope. |
Affiliate & Advert Disclosure: On our news stories you will see ads. Some of the ads are from local businesses and some are through our affiliate partners where we do receive commission if you click or purchase the product
About The Reporter
