The National Trust and Blue Diamond Garden Centres are giving 10 lucky people the chance to be a custodian of one of the most significant trees in scientific history.

Ten saplings propagated from the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity are being auctioned off to raise money for the future care of Sir Isaac’s birthplace, and the location of the tree where he saw the apple fall; Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire.

Now cared for by the National Trust, this country cottage is visited by thousands of people a year, wishing to see the spot where one of the greatest scientific discoveries took place.

To mark their collaboration with the National Trust, Blue Diamond are offering ten saplings from the tree to the public for the first time. Those interested in caring for a piece of living history, will be able to enter a public auction opening on the 4 September 2023.

The auction will be run via the Blue Diamond website and will be open until the 29 September 2023. The ten highest individual bidders will become custodians responsible for supporting the future survival of the Newton tree.  

The auction format is as follows:

• Auction will be live from 9am Monday 4 September 2023 until 8pm 29 September 2023, via bluediamond.gg/newtons-apple-tree
• The reserve for each tree is set at £500. 
• The auction site will show the ten current highest bids, so to enable bidders to decide if they want to increase their original bid or to bid to ensure that their bid is one of the top ten highest bids.
• One tree per individual, therefore the ten individuals with the ten highest bids will secure one of the ten saplings. 
• Blue Diamond have pledged that they will donate up to 50% of proceeds raised from the auction, to the National Trust and Woolsthorpe Manor, dependent on the final sums raised.
• The ten winners will be presented with their sapling at a special event on 21 October 2023 at Woolsthorpe Manor.
• The winners with be presented with their sapling and a commemorative photograph of this presentation.
• In addition to the tree, winners will also be presented with a commemorative stake, planting kit, plaque and framed certificate of authenticity.

Andy Jasper, Director of Gardens and Parkland for the National Trust commented “This really is a tree with gravitas and we’re delighted that 10 lucky people / or organisations will be able join us in looking after this unique piece of living horticultural heritage that continues to inspire new thought. 

Whether someone is a passionate horticulturist, a science lover, or they’ve joined together with their local community to buy something truly special for the benefit of their neighbourhood, we hope these saplings will grow to still be around in 400 years’ time.”

Alan Roper, Managing Director for Blue Diamond Garden Centres, adds “This is a unique and rare opportunity to become a custodian of such an important and historical piece of our heritage. Blue Diamond Garden Centres want to be able to donate a substantial sum to the National Trust from the total amount raised through the auction and I hope that we can succeed in achieving this.”

This really is a once in a 350-year opportunity to secure the legacy Sir Isaac Newton created, for future generations.