May 9th 2025.
As the sun sets on another day, we find ourselves wondering what happened to the infamous Sycamore Gap tree that once stood tall and proud at Hadrian's Wall. The news had spread like wildfire - Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers had been found guilty of cutting down the beloved tree in September of 2023. For centuries, the tree had been a popular attraction in the Northumberland countryside and had even made an appearance in the classic film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. But now, it was nothing more than a stump with a large trunk lying next to it.
The burning question on everyone's mind was: why? Why would anyone want to destroy such an iconic landmark? Well, it turns out that Graham and Carruthers were responsible for the senseless act. They had driven 40 minutes in the dead of night to reach the remote spot where the tree stood and without any warning, they cut it down in just 2 minutes and 41 seconds. The next day, they reveled in their crime and even took a piece of the trunk as a trophy.
As the news of the incident spread, the community was in an uproar and the police launched an investigation. It was revealed that not only did the pair destroy the Sycamore Gap tree, but they also caused damage to Hadrian's Wall when the tree fell on it. In court, it was stated that the two thought it would be a "bit of a laugh" to chop down the tree. This mindless act of vandalism resulted in them being found guilty of two counts of criminal damage and they will be sentenced on July 15.
The Sycamore Gap tree was not just a famous sight for tourists, it was also a beloved destination for walkers, photographers, and even wedding proposals. Its legacy was now in jeopardy, but the National Trust, which manages the site, took immediate action to save it. They rushed to collect seeds and cuttings from the tree and transported them to a secure location in Devon. The hope was that these seeds and cuttings could be planted and nurtured to grow new descendants of the tree.
In a recent update, it was reported that some of the fragile shoots had sprouted and there is hope that they will grow into strong and sturdy saplings. In total, nine surviving grafted plants and 40-50 seedlings are being cared for by experts. This ancient grafting technique involves joining sections of a fallen tree with the healthy roots of another to create a new and healthy tree. The TV presenter, Si King, passionately spoke out about the "murder" of the tree and parts of the trunk were transported to safety.
The Tree Council has also called for an action plan to protect trees like the Sycamore Gap and the Northumberland National Park has announced that parts of the tree will go on display at a nearby tourist attraction. Andy Jasper, director of parklands at the National Trust, remains optimistic about the future of the Sycamore Gap tree. He believes that the original trunk may even regrow, but it will take time and patience to see the results. As they say, good things come to those who wait. This article was originally published on March 9, 2024.
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