Sycamore Gap’s famous Robin Hood tree is chopped down by vandal

One of the most iconic and photographed trees in the country has been felled in an act of ‘mindless vandalism’.

Images emerged today of the Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland lying on the ground, with a stump left in the ground where it once stood. It is clear from the trunk that the tree was not hit by high winds but felled by a chainsaw.

The landmark featured in the Hollywood movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and has been seen in countless TV shows and snapped by tourists from around the world.

The Crown Inn at Humshaugh, close to the spot where the tree stood in Northumberland National Park, posted: “Absolutely Shocking News this morning, Sycamore Gap is no longer, some mindless idiot appears to of cut it down through the night, What on earth goes through peoples heads?

Images emerged today of the Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland lying on the ground (

Image:

PA)

“We welcome thousands of people each year who look forward to seeing the famous tree, A Very Sad Day”. The author LJ Ross wrote: “Terribly sad to hear of the loss of this iconic, beautiful tree which was the inspiration for my second book. I don’t know why it was felled, there is a lot of speculation at the moment, but I can only hope there was a very good reason.”

But others pointed out that the tree had clearly been felled deliberately. Sycamore Gap is an iconic sight along Hadrian’s Wall. It was made famous in the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves when he visited the location on route to Sherwood Forest. It is probably the most photographed tree in the country and stands in a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall.

The landmark featured in the Hollywood movie Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

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. This morning, the 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 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”.

People look at the tree at Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian’s Wall, which was “deliberately felled” overnight (

Image:

PA)

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 news was met with dismay and outrage by walkers’ groups on social media.

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.”

Northumbria Police said they were investigating whether a criminal offence had been committe (

Image:

PA)

Farmer Katie Smith, 25, said she spotted the tree on its side as she passed it on her way to work on Thursday (28/9) morning. She said: “I drive passed the tree twice a day and I always look up at it but today I just saw it was gone. Pictures taken of it look like someone has deliberately sawed it down. It’s an absolute tragedy. No one can believe it has been cut down.

“There was a storm last night but it’s withstood worse. There is no way this is not vandalism. People around here are shocked.” Tim Wickens, Trustee of the Northumberland and Newcastle Society, added: “I’m truly tearful having just seen the images and reporting on the world famous tree at Sycamore gap on Hadrian’s wall apparently being deliberately felled last night.

An aerial view of the felled tree (

Image:

PA)

“If it transpires this was a deliberate, it really is an outrageous and despicable act of vandalism that will shock people everywhere. It is beyond belief that anyone would consciously seek to destroy such a timeless symbol of the North East’s natural beauty and an icon of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. I would urge anyone with useful information to contact the Police immediately to help them find those responsible for this awful crime.”

Northumbria Police said they were investigating whether a criminal offence had been committed. A force 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.”

Sycamore Gap is looked after by both Northumberland National Park and the National Trust (

Image:

PA)

Superintendent Kevin Waring 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.”

The 70ft tall tree, which stood tall next to Hadrian’s Wall near Crag Lough (

Image:

Amanda Marks / SWNS)

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, added: “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.” Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230928-0295.