All Creatures Great and Small stars plant Sycamore gap sapling

All Creatures Great and Small’s Samuel West, who plays Siegfried Farnon, and Anna Madely, known as the much loved Mrs Hall, took a break from filming the latest series to plant a sapling grown from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland in Grassington – where the popular drama is filmed.

It was planted at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre and the planting is part of a UK‑wide legacy project that will see saplings grow in all 15 National Parks.

Sam West & Anna Madeley with the new sapling (Image: Yorkshire Dales National Park)

Following the felling of the much‑loved Sycamore Gap tree in 2023, the National Trust carefully propagated cuttings, which have now been distributed to every UK National Park. The plantings form part of a coordinated initiative led by National Parks UK in partnership with the National Trust.

Each sapling is a direct cutting from the original Sycamore Gap tree, ensuring its story continues to grow in landscapes cared for by National Park teams, communities, farmers and landowners. The new trees will act as living reminders of a much-loved national landmark.

Mark Corner, Member Champion for Natural Environment at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “This new generation of trees reminds us that conservation is about our commitment to future generations. From one iconic tree to 15, its legacy will now grow in every National Park, and we are proud to play our part in this story of resilience and renewal here in the Yorkshire Dales.

Sam West & Anna Madeley planting the Sycamore Gap sapling (Image: Yorkshire Dales National Park)

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Sam and Anna for taking time out of their busy filming schedule to help us celebrate this landmark moment in the continuation of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy. Their involvement is especially fitting here in the Yorkshire Dales – home of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ – a place long associated with compassion for animals, landscapes and rural communities. It’s a reminder of how deeply our stories, our places, and our care for nature are linked.

“The location at Grassington National Park Visitor Centre ensures visitors can watch the sapling grow in the heart of the National Park – a place where thousands begin their exploration of the Dales every year”.