One of 49 Sycamore Gap saplings in the UK is now a Tree of Hope in a new sensory garden at Lavender Fields, Barmby Moor, for people with young onset dementia.
A sapling grown from a cutting of the Sycamore Gap tree has been planted at Lavender Fields Care Village in Barmby Moor, near Pocklington, as a “Tree of Hope” for people living with young onset dementia: dementia that affects people of working age.
It is one of 49 saplings planted across the UK, according to Dementia Forward, the North Yorkshire charity that applied for it. The tree now stands at the centre of a new sensory garden that Lavender Fields built for it, designed with people living with dementia in mind.
Why a Sycamore Gap tree
The idea came from a family. After the Sycamore Gap tree was felled, the charity says, the wife of a man living with young onset dementia inspired it to apply for one of the saplings.
The tree went into the ground on 21 September, World Alzheimer’s Day, at an event that brought together people living with dementia, Lavender Fields residents, families, local community groups and civic guests. Among them were the Lord-Lieutenant of East Yorkshire, James Dick OBE; the Chairman of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Linda Johnson; and the Mayor of Pocklington, Roly Cronshaw.
“Not defined by their diagnosis”
The moment the organisers single out was a speech by Jo Phillips, who is living with young onset dementia. She spoke about the tree’s legacy as a symbol of hope, and about her hope that people are not defined by their diagnosis, and that people living with dementia go on being recognised as individuals with possibilities and potential.
Days after the planting, news broke that the stump of the original Sycamore Gap tree had begun to show signs of new life.
Jill Quinn, chief executive of Dementia Forward, said:
“We were pleased to hear that news, and it fits so perfectly with the theme of hope. It feels like we are on the cusp of some positive developments in dementia, with new treatments on the horizon and dementia high on the Prime Minister’s agenda. But people with young onset dementia face a whole different set of challenges, and we want to ensure that young onset dementia is recognised in its own right. The tree is one of the many ways we are working to raise awareness and get those important conversations started.”
A garden built around the tree
Lavender Fields offered a space for the tree, then decided to create a dedicated sensory garden as its home. The charity describes it as a peaceful but stimulating outdoor space where residents, families and visitors can spend time together, with a range of sights, sounds, scents and textures, meant for connection, reflection and enjoyment.
Chris Mitchell, Chairman of Lavender Fields Care Village, said:
“It has been an honour to be deeply involved in this prestigious event with Dementia Forward and we were very happy to create the sensory garden for our joint causes. The fact that we are hearing that the original tree is showing new signs of life is indeed affirmation of our theme of Hope. We look forward to watching the sapling and indeed the entire sensory garden mature and provide immense pleasure for all those living with dementia.”
Both organisations hope the garden, with the tree at its centre, becomes a place where people can enjoy nature and spend time together for years to come.
Getting help
Dementia Forward supports people living with dementia, including young onset dementia, and their families. Its helpline is 03300 578 592, and its young onset dementia service is described on the charity’s website.
Have your say