Sycamore Gap tree – latest: Future of site to be decided as National Trust inundated with messages of support
The National Trust is meeting with its stakeholders to decide whether to try to save or replace the felled Sycamore Gap tree.
The charity, which manages the land where the iconic maple once stood, said it has been “overwhelmed” with messages of support and offers of help.
“It is clear this tree was special to many, many people,” a spokesperson told The Independent. “In the immediate term, our priority has been to ensure the safety of the site, and the tree, and to support staff and the local community coming to terms with the news.
“We are beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and will be working with Northumberland National Park and local people to decide the best way forward. We will inform people as soon as we know.”
Earlier, police released an arrested man, in his 60s, on bail after the Sycamore Gap tree was felled. A boy, 16, who was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday was later released on bail.
Key Points
Future of Sycamore Gap tree to be decided as National Trust flooded with help offers
Retired lumberjack ‘arrested over felling' insists he ‘didn’t do it’
Man in his 60s arrested following felling of Sycamore Gap tree
Tree’s destruction ‘part of the broader war on nature'
Hadrian’s Wall damaged by vandals who chopped down Sycamore Gap
09:45 , Tara Cobham
Hadrian’s Wall has been damaged by the vandals who chopped down the Sycamore Gap tree, investigators have discovered.
Historic England said it found “some damage” had been caused to the 1,900-year-old wall, one of Britain’s best-known Unesco world heritage sites, in a preliminary inspection.
A spokesperson for the historical preservation body told The Independent: “While we identified that Hadrian’s Wall has sustained some damage, we have not been able to access the site to carry out a full investigation so a further archaeological appraisal will take place once the site is considered safe.
Tree remembered in knitted form
17:57 , Jane Dalton
A postbox “topper” has been knitted to remember the sycamore tree that was axed.
The creative item has appeared on a postbox in Hexham, Northumberland.
Watch: Walker lays flower tribute at historic Sycamore Gap after tree felling
15:26 , Andy Gregory
Full Historic England statement on Hadrian’s Wall damage
12:15 , Tara Cobham
We visited Sycamore Gap on Friday for a preliminary inspection. Whilst we identified that Hadrian’s Wall has sustained some damage, we have not been able to access the site to carry out a full investigation so a further archaeological appraisal will take place once the site is considered safe. As the government’s heritage adviser, we are involved because Hadrian’s Wall is protected as a scheduled monument. We appreciate how strongly people feel about the loss of the tree, and its impact on this special historic landscape, and will continue to work closely with key partners as this progresses.
Historic England
National Trust collect seed and cuttings from tree
11:15 , Tara Cobham
The National Trust has disclosed that its rangers and horticultural specialists have collected seed and cuttings from the Sycamore Gap tree.
The charity said: "National Trust rangers and horticultural specialists have collected seed and cuttings from the tree, using special permission from DEFRA. The material is with the National Trust's Plant Conservation Centre team of specialist propagators while the charity decides the best way forward."
National Trust says yet to remove tree in latest statement
08:40 , Tara Cobham
The National Trust has said it is still working on plans for the safe removal of the Sycamore Gap tree from its site in Northumberland.
In its latest update, the charity said it has been “overwhelmed” by over 150 offers of help and thousands of messages of support.
While its immediate priority has been ensuring the safety of the site and tree, the National Trust added that it is “beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site”.
The charity’s statement said: “We've been overwhelmed by the support we've seen from near and far. It is clear this tree was special to many, many people. We've received over 150 offers of help, and still rising, and thousands of messages of support, with many sharing their memories and good wishes with us.
“Offers of help and ideas for the future of the tree have ranged from craftspeople offering their skills, to fundraising initiatives. We're grateful to everyone who has been in touch.
“In the immediate term, our priority has been to ensure the safety of the site, and the tree, and to support staff and the local community coming to terms with the news. We are beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and will be working with Northumberland National Park and local people to decide the best way forward. We will share updates as soon as we know.”
National Trust to meet with stakeholders to decide future steps
06:48 , Andy Gregory
The National Trust, which manages the land where the Sycamore Gap tree once stood, is meeting with its stakeholders to decide whether to try to save or replace the iconic maple.
The charity said it has been “overwhelmed” with messages of support and offers of help.
“It is clear this tree was special to many, many people,” a spokesperson told The Independent. “In the immediate term, our priority has been to ensure the safety of the site, and the tree, and to support staff and the local community coming to terms with the news.
“We are beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and will be working with Northumberland National Park and local people to decide the best way forward. We will inform people as soon as we know.”
Sean O’Grady | From George I to Charles III, the Sycamore Gap tree saw British history unfold
05:01 , Andy Gregory
In this Independent Voices column, our associate editor Sean O’Grady writes:
“The tree, in a precarious gap, had survived countless assaults by nature including the great heatwave of 1911, the drought in 1976, the 1987 Great Storm and the freakish weather patterns of recent years. Not just two world wars, but the Napoleonic Wars and the revolt in the American colonies. It’s been there from George I to Charles III. It gave joy and solace to generations.
“Now it’s gone, and it, well, leaves a gap in every sense.
“Obviously, we don’t value our trees enough. By that I mean the ones that will never get a Tree Preservation Order. The ones that the councils in Sheffield and Plymouth felled before people had a chance to object. The little copses along the border of the allotments, such as I used to enjoy before the holders there decided they cast too much shade over their precious crops, and got to play with their chainsaws.”
From George I to Charles III, the Sycamore Gap was part of our history | Sean O’Grady
When was the tree cut down?
03:32 , Andy Gregory
Reports first emerged that the tree had been felled overnight on 27 September, with Northumberland police vowing to bring those responsible to justice.
The National Trust, which manages the land where the tree stood, said it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the news.
It subsequently closed the site where the tree was located.
Watch: Nature expert calls for ‘sycamore gap forest’ to replace felled tree at Hadrian’s Wall
01:11 , Andy Gregory
Woman writes ‘Ode to a Sycamore Tree’ poem
Wednesday 4 October 2023 23:46 , Matt Mathers
A woman who wrote a poem is among those to have paid tribute to the tree, describing it as a “sentinel of time”.
Laura Charlton, says she wrote the poem, “Ode to a Sycamore Tree”, to try to capture the “recklessness of the actions and the sense of bereavement the locals are feeling.”
“The birds sing their morning song/Wind dances through the leaves/Almost just as it once was/Yet Northumberland is bereaved,” it read.
Voices | I wrote The Secret Life of Trees – here’s why the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree was so significant
Wednesday 4 October 2023 21:58 , Andy Gregory
In this Independent Voices piece, author Colin Tudge writes:
“Maybe good can come from the apparently senseless or downright malicious felling of the beautiful sycamore tree that for at least 300 years stood at the centre of the Northumberland Gap.
“Maybe its destruction will serve as a pivotal moment, when people born and brought up in this ultra-materialist, ultra-competitive, exclusively anthropocentric age finally undergo the mind shift that’s needed if we, humanity, are ever going to save what’s left of the natural world, and live in harmony with our fellow creatures.
If we changed our attitude then we, humanity, could realistically be looking forward to the next million years, for starters. That we are now staring Armageddon in the face is not only tragic. It is absurd.
“We can learn much of what we need to know from trees – far more and of far greater profundity than we ever can from politicians and their think tanks of lawyers and financiers who set the tone of modern society and run our lives.”
I’m a tree expert – here’s how the Sycamore Gap tree ‘felt’ as it fell | Colin Tudge
Walker lays flower tribute at historic Sycamore Gap after tree felling
Wednesday 4 October 2023 19:33 , Andy Gregory
Can the tree be regrown or will it have to be replaced?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 18:41 , Matt Mathers
Andrew Poad of the National Trust pointed to the health of the three as one reason to believe it could be regrown.
“It’s a very healthy tree, we can see that now because of the condition of the stump,” he told BBC.
“It may well regrow a coppice from the stump. And if we could nurture that, then that might be one of the best outcomes, and then we keep the tree.”
But any effort to regrow the tree is likely to take hundreds of years, according to Mark Feather, UK estate manager for conservation charity, the Woodland Trust.
He told of his upset and warned that while it took minutes to cut the tree down it could take “literally centuries to grow back”.
He added that even though there is a “chance” of regrowth, this is not guaranteed, especially because of the great age and size of the tree. “Hopefully it will,” he said. “But this is not a given certainty. Time will tell.”
Then, if the Sycamore Gap tree does succeed in resprouting, he said it is “unlikely” it would return to its former statuesque shape, and would instead probably become a “bushy tree with multiple stems at the base”.
Watch: GB News host says Sycamore is 'one tree’
Wednesday 4 October 2023 17:39 , Andy Gregory
Why is the Sycamore Gap tree so significant?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 16:31 , Matt Mathers
The tree, believed to have been one of the most photographed in the country, used to sit in a gap along Hadrian’s Wall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – in rural Northumberland and was a popular hotspot for tourists, walkers and others.
It is believed to have dated back to medieval times and has been excavated on two occasions - between 1908 and 1911 and again between 1982 and 1987, when Roman remains linked to Hadrian’s Wall were found.
The sycamore perhaps first became known around the globe after featuring in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman.
National Trust receives 150 offers of help
Wednesday 4 October 2023 15:31 , Tara Cobham
The National Trust has received over 150 offers of help so far, and thousands of messages of support in the wake of the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree.
The charity said: “We've been overwhelmed by the support we've seen from near and far. It is clear this tree was special to many, many people. We've received over 150 offers of help, and still rising, and thousands of messages of support, with many sharing their memories and good wishes with us.”
National Trust collect seed and cuttings from Sycamore Gap
Wednesday 4 October 2023 14:30 , Tara Cobham
Seed and cuttings from the Sycamore Gap tree have been collected by National Trust rangers and horticultural specialists, it has been confirmed.
The National Trust said the material is now with its Plant Conservation Centre team of specialist propagators “while the charity decides the best way forward”.
It added that it received special permission from DEFRA to collect the seed and cuttings.
Sycamore Gap Tree in pictures
Wednesday 4 October 2023 13:30 , Tara Cobham
The Sycamore Gap tree that stood tall for 300 years - in pictures
National Trust confirms Sycamore Gap tree is still at site
Wednesday 4 October 2023 13:19 , Tara Cobham
The Sycamore Gap tree is still at the site of its felling, the National Trust has confirmed.
It said it is still working on plans for the safe removal of the tree from where it once stood.
Man ‘devastated’ after sapling to replace Sycamore Gap removed
Wednesday 4 October 2023 11:30 , Tara Cobham
A man who planted a sapling near the Sycamore Gap tree says he is ‘devastated’ after it was removed - and has responded to those who have criticised him on social media.
Kieran Chapman, aged 27, planted the sapling next to the world-famous tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland on Friday. The old tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was illegally chopped down overnight last Wednesday.
But on Sunday, the National Trust removed Mr Chapman’s newly-planted sapling. A spokesperson said that by adding or altering the Unesco world heritage site, it could “damage the archaeology”, and was unlawful.
Alex Ross reports:
Man devastated after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap
Watch: Walker lays flower tribute at historic Sycamore Gap
Wednesday 4 October 2023 10:31 , Tara Cobham
Everything we know about the felled Sycamore Gap tree
Wednesday 4 October 2023 09:20 , Matt Mathers
Who cut it down and can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Those are the questions still at the forefront of the minds of tree lovers everywhere from Northumberland to Newquay some four days after the iconic maple was chopped down.
Distraught celebrities and politicians were among those to express their outrage at the felling of the “iconic” tree, described by police as a “deliberate act of vandalism”.
Here’s everything we know so far as officers continue to hunt for the culprit.
Everything we know about the felled Sycamore Gap tree
Crochet tribute to Sycamore Gap in nearby high street
Wednesday 4 October 2023 08:00 , Tara Cobham
Two women in Northumberland have crocheted a postbox topper in a “lovely” tribute to the historic Sycamore Gap tree that was felled last week.
Carrie Page, 51, and Christine Hopper, 63, worked together to crochet the decorative topper featuring a green base and tree in the centre with varying shades of green leaves and branches.
The pair, who own separate shops in the same building opposite the postbox in Hexham, around 14 miles from the site of the Sycamore Gap tree, were motivated to create the tribute after locals were “angry, shocked and upset” at its destruction.
They placed the topper – which was dubbed “such a lovely gesture” by a local resident – outside their shops on September 30, and have since seen people taking photos of their work and sharing it on social media.
After 300 years of weather and two world wars, the Sycamore Gap tree could not survive the spite of a saw
Wednesday 4 October 2023 07:00 , Matt Mathers
In her latest exclusive poem, Frieda Hughes mourns the late, great tree at Hadrian’s Wall – and also muses on what it feels like to be a ‘fugitive’ in London, late at night...
Read the poem in full here:
300 years of weather, two world wars: the Sycamore Gap tree is gone | Frieda Hughes
There’s no such thing as ‘just a tree’ – here are some that make me go ‘wow’
Wednesday 4 October 2023 06:00 , Matt Mathers
Broadcaster Alastair Campbell has become as well known for his daily picture posts of trees as he is for his political punditry. Here, he reflects on why the Hadrian’s Wall sycamore matters and some of his recent favourite tree ‘spots’
Read Alastair’s full piece here:
There’s no such thing as ‘just a tree’ – here are some that make me go ‘wow’
ICYMI: Everything we know about the felled Sycamore Gap tree
Wednesday 4 October 2023 05:00 , Matt Mathers
Who cut it down and can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Those are the questions still at the forefront of the minds of tree lovers everywhere from Northumberland to Newquay some four days after the iconic maple was chopped down.
Full report:
Everything we know about the felled Sycamore Gap tree
I wrote The Secret Life of Trees – here’s why the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree was so significant
Wednesday 4 October 2023 04:00 , Matt Mathers
Perhaps this once magnificent tree, reduced overnight to lumber, might become a symbol of a new enlightenment, writes ‘The Secret Life of Trees’ author Colin Tudge
Read the full piece here:
I’m a tree expert – here’s how the Sycamore Gap tree ‘felt’ as it fell | Colin Tudge
ICYMI: World famous tree on Hadrian’s Wall was ‘deliberately felled’ leaving locals heartbroken
Wednesday 4 October 2023 03:00 , Matt Mathers
One of the UK’s most photographed trees has come down overnight after being “deliberately felled,” the Northumberland National Park Authority has said.
The famous tree at Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian’s Wall, was made famous by actor Kevin Costner when it appeared in his 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.
Full report:
World famous tree on Hadrian’s Wall was ‘deliberately felled’ leaving locals furious
ICYMI: ‘Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does’, say experts
Wednesday 4 October 2023 02:00 , Matt Mathers
“Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does,” is the devastating verdict of experts on the iconic Sycamore Gap tree after it was felled.
With police believing it to be a deliberate act of vandalism, the chainsaw-cutting down of the world-famous tree next to Hadrian’s Wall, in Northumberland, has triggered widespread outrage and sorrow.
Tara Cobham reports:
Sycamore Gap: ‘Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does’
ICYMI: Man ‘devastated’ after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap
Wednesday 4 October 2023 01:00 , Matt Mathers
A man who planted a sapling near the Sycamore Gap tree says he is ‘devastated’ after it was removed - and has responded to those who have criticised him on social media.
Kieran Chapman, aged 27, planted the sapling next to the world-famous tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland on Friday. The old tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was illegally chopped down overnight last Wednesday.
Full report:
Man devastated after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap
ICYMI: Can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Wednesday 4 October 2023 00:01 , Matt Mathers
Striking a note of optimism after the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was felled, experts have suggested it could be saved.
In an incident that caused widespread outrage and upset, the world-famous tree, next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was chopped down overnight on Wednesday.
Tara Cobham reports:
Can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
ICYMI: Can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Tuesday 3 October 2023 21:21 , Matt Mathers
Striking a note of optimism after the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was felled, experts have suggested it could be saved.
In an incident that caused widespread outrage and upset, the world-famous tree, next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was chopped down overnight on Wednesday.
However, all hope is not lost, according to Andrew Poad of the National Trust, who pointed to the health of the ancient Sycamore Gap, which is thought to be around 300 years old, as giving reason to believe the tree could regrow.
Tara Cobham reports:
Can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Recap: Everything we know about the felled Sycamore Gap tree
Tuesday 3 October 2023 19:24 , Matt Mathers
Who cut it down and can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Those are the questions still at the forefront of the minds of tree lovers everywhere from Northumberland to Newquay some four days after the iconic maple was chopped down.
Distraught celebrities and politicians were among those to express their outrage at the felling of the “iconic” tree, described by police as a “deliberate act of vandalism”.
Here’s everything we know so far as officers continue to hunt for the culprit
ICYMI: Man ‘devastated’ after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap
Tuesday 3 October 2023 18:00 , Matt Mathers
A man who planted a sapling near the Sycamore Gap tree says he is ‘devastated’ after it was removed - and has responded to those who have criticised him on social media.
Kieran Chapman, aged 27, planted the sapling next to the world-famous tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland on Friday. The old tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was illegally chopped down overnight last Wednesday.
Alex Ross reports:
Man devastated after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap
National Trust ‘overwhelmed’ by offers of help
Tuesday 3 October 2023 16:57 , Matt Mathers
The National Trust has said it has been “overwhelmed” by the support shown by members of the public wanting to help fix or replace the Sycamore Gap tree.
The governing body of protected sites in the UK, which manages the land where the felled tree stood, has been inundated with thousands of messages and hundreds of offers of help.
Offers of help and ideas for the future of the tree have ranged from art installations and craftspeople offering their skills, to fundraising initiatives.
A spokesperson for the charity told The Independent that in the “immediate term” its priority is to “ensure safety” at the site as it beings discussions with stakeholders about what to do with the iconic maple.
“It is clear this tree was special to many, many people,” the spokesperson said. “In the immediate term, our priority has been to ensure the safety of the site, and the tree, and to support staff and the local community coming to terms with the news.
“We are beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and will be working with Northumberland National Park and local people to decide the best way forward. We will inform people as soon as we know.”
Officers promise to bring Sycamore slayer to justice
Tuesday 3 October 2023 14:20 , Lydia Patrick
Officers have condemned the vandalism of an iconic Northumberland tree and vowed to bring anyone responsible to justice.
A full investigation has been launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight in what officers believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism.
Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the North East and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region.
“As a Force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation.
“Anyone found to have been responsible for this damage – which we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect to be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
“I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows anything that can assist our investigation to get in touch with us.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: “I’m devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone. That tree was ours. It was an iconic North East landmark standing tall in our beautiful Northumberland.
“I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism. I’ll be raising this personally today.
“I know Northumbria Police are at the scene and officers will do their utmost to catch whoever is behind this. Terrible news.”
Sycamore mourners can buy £60 memorabilia
Tuesday 3 October 2023 13:20 , Lydia Patrick
As the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree has touched thousands of people across the UK, a spiritual clothing store as launched a clothing line to commemorate the fallen tree.
Wholistic Threads are selling a variety of hoodies and t-shirts in honour of the tree which all feature the Sycamore’s silhouette and text reading ‘Sycamore Gap’ or ‘The Spirt of the Sycamore’.
The designs come in a variety of sizes and colours including black, sunflower yellow and pink, and are priced between £14 and £60.
Man ‘devastated’ after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap
Tuesday 3 October 2023 12:20 , Lydia Patrick
A man who planted a sapling near the Sycamore Gap tree says he is ‘devastated’ after it was removed - and has responded to those who have criticised him on social media.
Kieran Chapman, aged 27, planted the sapling next to the world-famous tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland on Friday. The old tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was illegally chopped down overnight last Wednesday.
But on Sunday, the National Trust removed Mr Chapman’s newly-planted sapling. A spokesperson said that by adding or altering the Unesco world heritage site, it could “damage the archaeology”, and was unlawful.Read the full story here
Man devastated after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap
Officers vow to bring Sycamore slayer to justice
Tuesday 3 October 2023 11:20 , Lydia Patrick
A full investigation has been launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight in what officers believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism.
The tree is a world-renowned landmark and the vandalism has caused shock and anger throughout the local community and beyond.
Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the North East and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region.
“As a Force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation.
“Anyone found to have been responsible for this damage – which we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect to be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
“I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows anything that can assist our investigation to get in touch with us.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: “I’m devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone. That tree was ours. It was an iconic North East landmark standing tall in our beautiful Northumberland.
“I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism. I’ll be raising this personally today.
“I know Northumbria Police are at the scene and officers will do their utmost to catch whoever is behind this. Terrible news.”
ICYMI: The Sycamore Gap Tree in pictures as nature lovers ‘shocked and saddened’ by felling
Tuesday 3 October 2023 22:01 , Matt Mathers
A tourist attraction, a film location and a symbol of hope - the felled Sycamore Gap tree was many things to many people.
The 300 year-old natural beauty was one of the most photographed trees in the country and an iconic sight next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. However, this week it was felled prompting an outpouring of anger and sorrow, from campaigners and the public alike.
Faiza Saqib reports:
The Sycamore Gap tree that stood tall for 300 years - in pictures
New petition launched to serve justice for the Sycamore Gap
Tuesday 3 October 2023 10:20 , Lydia Patrick
A passionate preservation activist has called for the ‘vandals’ behind the felling of the Sycamore to plant 10,000 trees in an online petition.
Kim Whitehouse laments the loss of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree which stood on Hadrian’s Wall and calls for tough measures to legally reprimand the culprits.
It is not yet clear who was responsible for the felling.
Northumbria Police are currently investigating the incident, they arrested a man aged in his 60s on Friday on suspicion of criminal damage but he has since been released, pending further inquiries.
A relative posted a picture of the retired lumberjack at home with his grandson as they denied his involvement in the felling.
A boy, 16, who was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday, was later released on bail.
On Sunday reports said officers seized a chainsaw near the site where the tree was cut down.
Ms Whitehouse said: “ Therefore to ensure meaningful restitution for their crime against nature and history, I recommend that each person involved in this heinous act commit to planting 10000 trees in the local community. This commitment will help restore some balance while fostering an appreciation for nature’s resilience among those responsible.By signing this petition today, you are joining me in demanding justice for the Sycamore Gap tree and advocating for a punishment that fits the crime. Together, we can send a powerful message that our historical landmarks and natural treasures must be protected at all costs.”
The petition aims to get 1,000 signatures and has received 774 supporters so far.
‘Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does’, say experts
Tuesday 3 October 2023 09:20 , Lydia Patrick
“Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does,” is the devastating verdict of experts on the iconic Sycamore Gap tree after it was felled.
With police believing it to be a deliberate act of vandalism, the chainsaw-cutting down of the world-famous tree next to Hadrian’s Wall, in Northumberland, has triggered widespread outrage and sorrow.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation on Thursday after the majestic Sycamore Gap tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was cut down overnight. The force arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident but has since released him on bail.
A man in his sixties was arrested on Friday evening. He remains in police custody.
Sycamore Gap: ‘Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does’
Everything we know about the felled Sycamore Gap tree
Tuesday 3 October 2023 08:20 , Lydia Patrick
Who cut it down and can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Those are the questions still at the forefront of the minds of tree lovers everywhere from Northumberland to Newquay some four days after the iconic maple was chopped down.
Distraught celebrities and politicians were among those to express their outrage at the felling of the “iconic” tree, described by police as a “deliberate act of vandalism”.
Here’s everything we know so far as officers continue to hunt for the culprit.
Read the full story here
Everything we know about the felled Sycamore Gap tree
Watch: Nature expert calls for ‘sycamore gap forest’ to replace felled tree at Hadrian’s Wall
Tuesday 3 October 2023 06:59 , Andy Gregory
New shoots expected to grow from Sycamore Gap tree but it ‘won’t be same again’
Tuesday 3 October 2023 05:51 , Andy Gregory
New shoots are expected to grow from the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree but it will never be the same again, experts have said.
Rob Ternent, head gardener at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, said the tree will start growing again but “won’t ever be the same shape or as good of a tree as it was”.
He told the PA news agency: “It’s worth a try but I think livestock and wildlife will potentially damage it as well. It’ll be very difficult to get it back to the original tree.
“The growing season’s coming to an end now but by spring next year it will have some life in it. It’ll probably be about eight foot tall, but it’ll be lots of singular branches, more bushy.
“It was about 300 years old so it’ll take a long time to get back to that size. It’s a massive shame.”
Katie Dickinson has the story here:
New shoots expected to grow from Sycamore Gap tree but it ‘won’t be same again’
Watch: 300-year-old tree stars in 90s classic Robin Hood movie before vandalism
Tuesday 3 October 2023 04:42 , Andy Gregory
