For what ? One of Britain’s most iconic trees, made famous by the film Robin Hood, has been deliberately felled in an act of “vandalism”, much to the despair of many lovers of this majestic maple tree. Once a century old.
The Sycamore Gap tree, isolated at the foot of two hills in a spectacular landscape, stood very close to Hadrian’s Wall, built in Roman times to prevent barbarian invasion and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2016 it was chosen “Tree of the Year”.
Photo AFP
In the 1991 film Robin Hood, we saw Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman walking in front of this impressive tree, which was a delight for walkers in the north-east of England. It was one of the most photographed trees in the UK.
But on Thursday morning, walkers discovered the bare tree stump. And the rest of the tree is on Hadrian’s Wall.
The national park manager quickly explained that the shooting had been “intentional.”
Photo AFP
Northumbria Police, who launched an investigation, announced the arrest of a 16-year-old boy on Thursday afternoon. “The damage caused to the tree is the result of intentional vandalism,” she said in a statement.
The teenager is in police custody. “He is assisting the officers in their investigation,” police said.
“Heartbreaking”
“Today’s events have caused shock, sadness and anger,” said Police Director Kevin Waring.
Several local residents visited the site as if to pay homage to the Sycamore Gap. Flowers were even placed near the tree stump, in front of the security cordon set up by police.
Photo AFP
“I feel a real sense of loss,” Tony Gates, director of the Northumberland National Park Authority and manager of the national park, told AFP.
“We had people in tears today,” he added. “We have been overwhelmed by messages on social media and our website from people who are genuinely touched by this loss.”
The heritage protection organization National Trust said on X (ex-Twitter) that it was “shocked and deeply saddened”. “We know how much this tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has seen it.”
Photo AFP
The tree has been “an important and iconic feature of the landscape for almost 200 years,” added Andrew Poad, director of the National Trust.
Many people, including members of hiking groups, shared their dismay and fond memories at the tree, on site and on social media.
“It’s a shame that someone has come to destroy this beautiful part of nature,” Ryan Knotman, a 40-year-old technician, told AFP.
“Earlier this year I was sitting at the top of the hill crocheting while my husband and son climbed the wall next to the tree,” said one user on Facebook.
A man described proposing to his wife at the foot of Sycamore Gap. According to Tony Gates, some have even scattered the ashes of their deceased loved ones here.
Local MP Mary Foy condemned a “stupid” and “heartbreaking” act of vandalism at an iconic site in north-east England.
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