The Sycamore Gap tree, located next to the iconic Roman Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park (northeast England), has been an object of admiration and reverence for generations. However, in recent weeks, this symbol of the region has been immersed in a story of vandalism, controversy and hope.
He became famous when he appeared in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), starring Kevin Costner. This lone sycamore maple – believed to be around 300 years old – was not only a destination for thousands of hikers each year, but was also a symbol of hope and an essential element of the region’s cultural heritage, known for its majesty and beauty.
In late September, Sycamore Gap fell victim to an act of vandalism that shocked the local community and nature lovers across the country. The felling of the tree was described as a “deliberate act of vandalism” and led to a groundswell of outrage. Northumbria Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness compared it to “stealing joy”.
Specifically, the agents took immediate action and arrested two individuals, a 16-year-old boy and a man in his 60s, in connection with the act of vandalism. Both were released on bail, while investigations continue to determine who is responsible for this “senseless destruction.”
In the wake of this incident, the National Trust for Places, an organization dedicated to protecting England’s heritage and natural landscapes, set to work to preserve what remains of the tree and protect the delicate and now damaged wall of Hadrian’s Wall – UNESCO World Heritage – and ensure the safety of visitors. The trunk was cut into large sections and with the help of a crane they were piled on a truck that would take it to a secret location, until further notice.
Although the 15-meter-tall tree was too large to move in one piece, experts hope that relocating the trunk in large sections will provide opportunities to preserve it. “We have explored all options for moving the tree, and while it is not possible to lift it all at once, as the tree has several trunks with a large crown, we have tried to keep the trunk in as large sections as possible, to give us flexibility into what it becomes in the future,” said Andrew Poad, chief executive of the National Trust for Places.
The concern lies in the fear that trophy hunters will try to take parts of the tree as souvenirs, similar to what happened with fragments of the Berlin Wall. Police authorities reported that several people were caught trying to take pieces of the tree, while others made legitimate attempts to claim it for artistic purposes.
However, there is a spark of hope in the midst of sadness. Expert biologists following this case suggest that, paradoxically, cutting down the tree could prolong its life, since the stump could generate new shoots. Seeds were also collected to see if they can be used to propagate new seedlings.
Besides. The National Trust for Places has been receiving thousands of messages with suggestions on how to preserve the legacy of Sycamore Gap. Proposals include creating benches, sculptures or souvenirs to sell. There will be a public consultation to determine the future of the site.
The future of this iconic tree is now in the hands of the community and authorities, who will work together to ensure its history continues to inspire future generations. Although the sycamore maple will never be the same, its legacy will live on in the memories of all who admired and photographed it.
