Hairy Bikers say Sycamore Gap tree culprit ‘murdered spirit of Northumberland’
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A man in his sixties has been arrested in connection with the felling of the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree after a teenager was released on bail.
Sycamore Gap, thought to be around 300 years old, was made famous by actor Kevin Costner when it appeared in his 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, and was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s 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-renowned landmark – and a local treasure – has quite rightly resulted in an outpour shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield.
“I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we’re taking this situation, and our ongoing commitment to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Although another arrest has been made, this investigation is still in the early stages, and we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch.”
‘More than just a tree'
An artist shares his tribute to the tree- which had been the subject of many of his comissioned pieces.
Alfie Joey said the act of vandalism was more ‘mindless’ than marking the Angel of the North.
It us a subject I painted more than any other. Had more requests for than any other.
— alfie joey (@alfiejoey) September 28, 2023
Aye, it might just a tree but a tree now beyond repair. In that sense I think it is more mindless than damaging something like the Angel of the North. https://t.co/Kf8AO0agvQ
Have police caught the tree feller?
Officers investigating the vandalism of an iconic Northumberland tree made a second arrest yesterday after a teenager they arrested was released on bail. Northumberland police arrested a second male – in his 60s – in connection with the incident. He remains in police custody at this time.
The police force investigating the incident are still appealing for more information.
In pictures - The 300-year-old Sycamore Gap tree
The tree stood next to Hadrian’s Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland
(AFP/Getty)
A man has been arrested over the felling of the famous tree
(PA Wire)
A picture taken on June 4, 2023 shows visitors hiking past the Sycamore Gap tree
(AFP/Getty)
Fence put up to protect the site
The Northumberland National Park shared a poignant statement on Facebook detailing how they will protect the space where the Sycamore Gap tree stood.
We are deeply touched by all the messages of support and ideas we continue to receive. Today, with the agreement of the landowners, the National Trust, Northumberland National Park Authority is putting a fence up to protect the site.The celebration room at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre continues to provide a place for people to leave their thoughts, tributes and memories.We would like to remind everyone that the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We know both the tree and the site are important to so many people, we ask everyone to please allow the National Park and our partners the time and space to progress with the next steps.
The Northumberland National Park Authority
‘The Sycamore Gap tree could not survive the spite of a saw'
Frieda Hughes mourns the late, great tree at Hadrian’s Wall after the 300 year-old tree toppled to the floor after surviving two World Wars.
Read the full poem here
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...
A poignant poem to remember the Sycamore Gap tree
A social media account dedicated to the North East of England have shared a poem to condemn the ‘cruelty’ of the person who culled their tree.
‘The tree. Our tree’.
Those who cut down the Sycamore Gap tree, Have committed an act of great cruelty. They have shown no regard for nature’s grace, And left a scar upon this sacred place. Let those who cut down the sycamore tree, Beware the wrath of nature, wild and free. For their evil deed will not be forgotten.
Author shares why the culling is so significant
The author of a book which highlights the importance of trees shares why the culling could open up a new way of thinking.
Writer Colin Tudge is heartbroken yet somewhat optimisitc that the event could lead to a widespread shift in perspective as people mourn the loss of the Sycamore Gap tree.
He writes: “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.”
Read the rest of his take here
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
Just Giving Campaign to rejuvenate Sycamore Gap near target
A fundraiser that hopes to raise money to fill the void left by the demolition of the Sycamore Tree has reached £3,736 of its £5,000 target.
The money will be donated to Northumberland National Park and National Trust North East to give new life to the area where the Sycamore tree stood.
Help Gareth Carter raise money to support National Trust
Angry social media user compares the act to HS2 demolition
A campaigner took to X to voice her annoyance that people heartbroken over the loss of the Sycamore Tree aren’t as upset about the culling of other trees to make way for the high-speed rail line.
Lizzie Carr shared a photo which she claims shows one of 108 ancient, native woodlands destroyed to make way for HS2.
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