GHOST TREE

for our sycamore

Artwork by Kathryn Holeman ‘Reimagining Hector & Ghost.’

“All trees are sacred, but this one was special,” he tried to be brave, but somehow felt he had failed. Hector was after all the Forest Protector.

“Will it grow back, like my antlers which shed each season, and regenerate?” asked Ghost.

“In time, yes, but it will never be, nor look the same,” replied Hector.

It had been the unchanging presence of Sycamore Gap, that enabled folk to find place, and feel safe, in a world that can be chaotic.

Just like you Ghost, Sycamore Gap was a symbol.

“Is that why they call me White Hart?” asked Ghost.

“Yes, and they said you were the last White Hart of Northumberland, and your appearance foretold a great change.”

Slowly they walked across the moss towards the place where the mighty Sycamore once stood, illuminated only by moon.

“LOOK……. look at what’s left behind,” wiping his eyes Hector was surprised to find amidst the destruction, the shape of a white heart. 

Is this why our story shares the message, “and whilst things that are sacred can never truly be taken?”

“Yes,” sighed Hector.

“Might it be time to write another story?” whispered Ghost.

“we should never be afraid to forge a new beginning,” smiled Hector.

And so it was written.

Sycamore Gap sat atop Hadrian’s Wall and was deliberately felled during a storm September 28th 2023. Sycamores are also called “ghost trees” because of their brilliant white bark that appears to be shedding. This process of exfoliation is much more visible in sycamores than in other trees.