The Sycamore Gap tree, a beloved and iconic landmark in northern England, was felled in September 2023, sparking widespread outrage and grief. The tree, estimated to be over 200 years old, stood alongside Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was a popular spot for photography and reflection. Two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, have been found guilty of criminal damage for their role in the tree’s destruction.
The Sycamore Gap tree was more than just a tree; it was a symbol of northeast England and a key attraction that drew millions of visitors. Its unique silhouette against the backdrop of Hadrian’s Wall made it one of the most photographed trees in the country. The tree’s significance extended beyond its natural beauty, as it also held cultural and historical importance. It was featured in the 1991 Hollywood film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and won the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year award in 2016.
The tree was felled on the night of September 27, 2023, in what prosecutors described as a “moronic mission.” Graham and Carruthers drove to the site near Hexham in Graham’s Range Rover and used a chainsaw to cut down the tree in a matter of minutes. The pair then got back into the vehicle and drove away, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The felling of the tree caused £622,191 in damage to the tree and £1,144 to Hadrian’s Wall.
The National Trust, which owns the wall and the tree, welcomed the guilty verdict, saying the “needless felling” of the tree had “shocked people around the country and overseas.” A spokesperson for the National Trust added that the tree was “an emblem of the region and the backdrop to many personal memories.” The guilty verdict was seen as a victory for those who valued the tree’s cultural and historical significance.
Graham and Carruthers will be sentenced on Tuesday, facing a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail. As the community awaits the outcome, efforts are underway to preserve the tree’s legacy. The National Trust has grown 49 saplings from the tree’s seeds, which will be planted across the UK this winter. A piece of the felled tree is also on display at a visitor center near where it stood, allowing people to see and touch part of the trunk. This art installation serves as a reminder of the tree’s significance and the impact of its destruction.
While the Sycamore Gap tree may be gone, its legacy lives on. The tree’s seeds will be planted in various locations, ensuring that its spirit continues to thrive. As the community looks to the future, it is clear that the Sycamore Gap tree will remain an important part of England’s cultural heritage. The sentencing of Graham and Carruthers will serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural and cultural landmarks for future generations.