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.
Police said they were investigating whether a criminal offence had been committed after pictures emerged on Thursday morning of the tree lying on its side by the wall, after apparently having been cut down.
The park authority suspect the tree was “deliberately felled”— (PA)
On Thursday morning the national park authority said: “(We) can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down over night. We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.
“We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.”
The National Trust said in a statement: “We are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall has been felled overnight, in what appears to be an act of vandalism.
“We know just how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has visited. We are working with our partners to understand what has happened and what can be done.”
The authority is asking the public not to visit the site, near Crag Lough, “whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe”.
A spokesperson added: “Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much-loved by people from across the world.”
The Sycamore Gap tree is probably the most photographed in the country and stands in a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall.
Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson expressed his shock and anger at the “absolutely terrible” incident.
“Today is a very sad day for our county. I am finding it difficult to express the shock, anger and hurt I feel at the destruction of this iconic landmark,” He said.
He added: “The Sycamore Gap tree has stood for centuries and is known throughout the world. For it to be felled in what is clearly a deliberate act is absolutely terrible and I’m sure I speak for everyone in the county when I say how upset I was when I heard the news this morning.”
The Northumberland National Park Authority’s website says the Roman Milecastle 39 is just to its left.
Sycamore Gap is looked after by both Northumberland National Park and the National Trust.
The news was met with dismay and outrage by walkers’ groups on social media.
The tree is one of the UK’s most photographed trees— (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
One woman, who visited the site on Thursday, posted a picture on Facebook of the felled tree with the caption: “An awful moment for all walking Hadrians wall the Sycamore Gap tree has gone! Not the storm an absolute f****** felled it!!”
Another user replied: “I am absolutely heartbroken as someone that is there often taking photos.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm an investigation has been launched following damage to the Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumberland.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed.”
