Hairy bikers say Sycamore Gap Tree perpetrator ‘murdered the spirit of Northumberland’
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A man in his 60s has been arrested in connection with the felling of the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree after a teenager was released on bail.
Sycamore Gap, believed to be around 300 years old, was made famous by actor Kevin Costner when he appeared in his 1991 film Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves, and was voted England’s Tree of the Year at the 2016 Woodland Trust Awards. It has become one of the most photographed trees in the UK.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-famous landmark – and a local treasure – has rightly caused an outpouring of shock, horror and anger across the North East and further afield .
“I hope this second arrest shows how seriously we take this situation and how committed we remain to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.”
“Although a further arrest has been made, this investigation is still in its early stages and we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information that may be helpful to contact us.”
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Experts believe new shoots will grow, but the tree will never be the same again
Experts said new shoots are expected to grow from the tree, but it will never be the same again.
Andrew Poad, general manager of the National Trust, told BBC Breakfast the stump was “healthy” and staff could potentially cut down the tree, a technique that allows new shoots to grow from the base of a trunk.
Rob Ternent, head gardener at Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, said the tree would grow again but would “never be the same shape or as good a tree as it was”.
He said: “It’s worth a try but I think livestock and wildlife will potentially damage it too.” It will be very difficult to get it back into the original tree.
“The growing season is ending now, but there will be some life in the spring of next year. It will probably be about eight feet tall, but it will have many individual branches that are bushier.
“It was about 300 years old, so it will take a long time for it to get back to that size. It’s a huge shame.”
Tara Cobham1 October 2023 07:57
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Hairy biker tackles tree thief
Hairy biker Si King has expressed his outrage at the vandal and described the act as “murder”.
Lydia Patrick1. October 2023 06:22
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Can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
After the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was felled, experts expressed optimism and suggested it could be saved.
The world-famous tree next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland was felled overnight on Wednesday, causing widespread outrage and excitement.
However, not all hope is lost, according to Andrew Poad of the National Trust, who pointed out that the condition of the ancient Sycamore Gap, believed to be around 300 years old, gives reason to believe the tree could grow back .
Tara Cobham has the full story here
Lydia Patrick1. October 2023 04:22
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Watch – Sycamore Gap: Iconic tree lies next to Hadrian’s Wall after being ‘felled by vandals’
Sycamore Gap: Iconic tree seen lying next to Hadrian’s Wall after being ‘felled’
The footage shows one of Britain’s most photographed trees lying on its side after being “deliberately felled” in an apparent act of vandalism. The tree at Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, became famous when it was featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves. In a statement, the National Trust said it was “shocked and saddened” that the “iconic” tree had been felled overnight after images and videos emerged on Thursday morning (September 28). The tree lies on its side on the wall, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lydia Patrick1. October 2023 03:22
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“It won’t be the same again”
Andrew Poad, general manager of the National Trust, told BBC Breakfast the stump was “healthy” and staff could potentially cut down the tree, a technique that allows new shoots to grow from the base of a trunk.
He said: “It is a very healthy tree. We can see now that because of the condition of the stump, he may well be able to grow an undergrowth out of the stump, and if we could maintain that, then that might be one of the best outcomes.” and then we keep the tree.”
Rob Ternent, head gardener at Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, said the tree would grow again but would “never be the same shape or as good a tree as it was”.
Lydia Patrick1. October 2023 02:22
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History of the Sycamore Gap Tree
A tourist attraction, a film location and a symbol of hope, the felled Sycamore Gap tree meant many things to many people.
The 300-year-old natural beauty was one of the most photographed trees in the country and a landmark next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. However, it was felled this week, prompting anger and sadness from both activists and the public.
Read more about the history of the tree here
Lydia Patrick1. October 2023 01:22
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Why is it so famous?
The Sycamore Gap is one of the most photographed trees in the world with its romantic location next to Hadrian’s Wall.
According to the National Trust, the tree is said to be 300 years old and was planted between 1860 and 1890.
The tree starred in the 1991 Hollywood film Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves, which starred Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, which is why it is also known as the Robin Hood Tree.
You think about what the tree has “observed” since it was a sapling
(PA)
Lydia Patrick1. October 2023 00:22
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“I don’t want these memories to be tainted by a single act.”
Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park, had to comfort weeping visitors and staff as they remembered the tree’s significance.
For many visitors, Sycamore Gap is the setting for significant life moments, such as marriage proposals and first dates.
As the Guardian reported, Mr. Gates said: “I don’t want these memories to be tainted by a single act,” he said. “I want people to continue to celebrate the positive memories of Sycamore Gap.”
The Sycamore Gap was an iconic part of the northeastern backdrop
(AFP/Getty)
Lydia Patrick30. September 2023 11:30 p.m
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“More than just a tree”
An artist pays tribute to the tree that has been the subject of many of his commissioned works.
Alfie Joey said the act of vandalism was “more pointless” than tagging the Angel of the North.
It is a subject that I have painted more than any other. Had more inquiries than anyone else.
Yes, it might just be a tree, but a tree that is now beyond repair. In that sense, I think it’s more pointless than damaging something like the Angel of the North. https://t.co/Kf8AO0agvQ– Alfie Joey (@alfiejoey) September 28, 2023
Lydia Patrick30. September 2023 10:23 p.m
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The Bishop of Newcastle shares their grief
Lydia Patrick30. September 2023 9:19 p.m