10 saplings from Sir Isaac Newton’s apple tree at Woolsthorpe Manor are being sold for the first time

The saplings of a famous apple tree are being auctioned off to support the preservation of Sir Isaac Newton’s birthplace for future generations.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres have partnered with the National Trust to auction 10 saplings from one of the most significant trees in scientific history, based at Woolsthorpe Manor in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth.

The saplings are propagated from the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity, with the money raised set to support the future care of the National Trust site.

This is the first time that saplings from the tree have been available for purchase, with the public auction having opened on Monday at 9am. It will remain live until September 29 at 8pm.

Andy Jasper, director of gardens and parkland for the National Trust said: “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.”

The ten highest individual bidders will become custodians responsible for supporting the future survival of the Newton tree.

Blue Diamond have pledged that they will donate up to 50 per cent of proceeds raised from the auction, to the National Trust and Woolsthorpe Manor, dependent on the final sums raised.

Alan Roper, managing director for Blue Diamond , added: “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.”

The auction site, found at bluediamond.gg/newtons-apple-tree, will show the ten current highest bids, with a limit of one sapling per individual.

The ten winners will be presented with their sapling at an event on October 21 at Woolsthorpe Manor, and will also receive a commemorative stake, planting kit, plaque and framed certificate of authenticity.