Sycamore Gap Lego kit launched by North East model firm Brick This

Sycamore Gap Lego kit from Brick This
-Credit:Brick This


A Lego model of the Sycamore Gap tree has been developed by a North East modeller.

Steve Mayes, whose Brick This company has developed models of a number of local landmarks, has launched the Sycamore Gap model, with donations to two charities linked to the former tree at Hadrian’s Wall that was felled in 2023.

Mr Mayes, from North Shields, has a number of models on display around the region including Alnwick Garden, Bowes Museum and the Common Room in Newcastle. Kits he has developed and put on sale include The Angel of the North, St James’ Park and the Tyne Bridge.

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He said: “I‘ve had this kit in mind since the felling in 2023 of Northumberland’s iconic Sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap. The loss was keenly felt in the region, and indeed all over the country. It was a place that I have visited numerous times, in various seasons, and from where I have fond memories

“My custom Lego kit of how it used to look, nestled in a dip with Hadrian’s Wall rising either side, is now available to pre-order. It has over 600 parts and comes in a signed box. The kit measures 32 cm wide once built, and 13cm high.

Lego artist Steve Mayes has created a model of the Newcastle and Gateshead skyline
Lego artist Steve Mayes has created a model of the Newcastle and Gateshead skyline and is selling instructions so that others can make it too

“In recent months there has been some good news as the stump appears to be alive and new growth is appearing. There have also been 49 saplings grown from seeds from the felled tree, and these ‘Trees of Hope’ have been donated to 49 different charities and organisations around the country.

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“To celebrate this, the first 49 kits sold will also come with a mini-figure and a sapling! These kits will be numbered 1 to 49. For each kit sold a donation will be made of £10 split between two charities - The National Trust’s Hadrian’s Wall Appeal and The Northumberland National Park Foundation.”

Mr Mayes, who previously worked as an architectural photographer, launched Brick This with a model of the Newcastle-Gateshead skyline. His sets use official Lego parts but are not linked to the global toy company.

He says he wants his sets to be collectors’ items, with each coming with a presentation box as well as instructions and all of the parts.