DAME Judi Dench has placed the first seedling from the Sycamore Gap on the National Trust garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The seedling, grown from a seed taken from the tree which had stood for 200 years in a dip on Hadrian’s Wall and named by Dame Judi as Antoninus after the adopted son of Emperor Hadrian, will be on display during the show.

One of the UK's best known trees, the Sycamore Gap was felled last year in news that sent shockwaves around the world. Two men are due to go on trial next month over the incident. 

Andrew Jasper, director of gardens and parklands at the National Trust, said he hoped visitors would take inspiration from seeing the seedling, saying: “When we first saw the seedlings germinate, we knew there was hope for the tree’s future.”

Last week, a district judge said that the case of two men accused of felling the famous tree was so serious that it must be dealt with at the crown court.

Daniel Graham, 38, of Milbeck Stables, Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 31, of Church Street, Wigton, Cumbria, are accused of causing £622,191 worth of damage to the much-photographed tree.

Forestry Journal: Dame Judi Dench holds a seedling in a pot from the Sycamore Gap tree in the Octavia Hill Garden by Blue DiamondDame Judi Dench holds a seedling in a pot from the Sycamore Gap tree in the Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond (Image: PA)

They are also accused of causing £1,144 worth of damage to Hadrian’s Wall, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which was hit by the falling tree when it was felled overnight on September 28.

Both the tree and the wall were said to belong to the National Trust.

Graham entered pleas of not guilty, while Carruthers entered no plea.

Both men walked into the court building with their faces covered but removed their masks for the 15-minute hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

At least 25 members of the media were in court for the hearing.

District Judge Zoe Passfield declined jurisdiction, saying: “This case is too serious to be heard in the magistrates’ court.”

The pair will attend Newcastle Crown Court on June 12 for their next hearing and they were both granted unconditional bail in the meantime.