Cumbria Police have officially closed their investigation into the theft of a young Sycamore Gap sapling from the Wray Castle estate near Ambleside after exhausting all available lines of inquiry. Authorities are continuing to urge anyone with residual information regarding the crime to contact local law enforcement.
The young tree, which was planted in April 2026, was stolen from its remote location between June 9 and June 16. Its planting served a deeply meaningful community purpose as part of the joint “Branches of Care” initiative launched by the National Trust and St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston. The collaborative project was designed to aid individuals dealing with serious illness, dementia, and bereavement through nature-based therapy.
The Purpose of the ‘Branches of Care’ Initiative
The stolen sapling was more than just a young tree; it symbolized hope and healing for participants in the Cumbria and Lancashire region. National Trust Cumbria and Lancashire Assistant Director Jez Westgarth previously addressed the circumstances surrounding the sapling’s disappearance from the remote estate, highlighting the emotional impact the theft had on community members and organizers relying on the nature sanctuary for solace.
- Initiative Partners: National Trust and St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston
- Target Audience: Individuals coping with illness, dementia, and bereavement
- Planting Date: April 2026
- Theft Window: Between June 9 and June 16, 2026
Police Appeal and Next Steps
Despite thorough reviews of the area and local appeals for witnesses, investigators have found no new leads to identify the perpetrators. Police have confirmed that the active inquiry is now paused unless new evidence is brought forward by the public. Anyone with details concerning the whereabouts of the sapling or suspicious activity around the Wray Castle estate during mid-June is encouraged to reach out to Cumbria Police directly.
