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It is believed that a lone sycamore tree stood in this col between Peel Crags and Highshields Crags for well over 200 years. Its dramatic setting had given it iconic status as a symbol of Hadrian's Wall (World Heritage Site) and the Northumberland National Park. Its fame was further enhanced by being used for a scene in the 1991 film "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves" (conveniently overlooking the fact that the tree stands a good 270 km from Sherwood Forest).

In the small hours of 28th September 2023, a person or persons unknown deliberately felled the tree, an act of vandalism which has generated world-wide dismay, outrage and anger. Hadrian's Wall sustained mild damage as a result of the felling. Although one can rarely find a policeman when one needs one, the police have in this case taken an active role in investigating this incident and to date four arrests have been made although no charges have yet been preferred.

The National Trust have spirited the remains of the tree away to a secret location whilst ideas for usimg the wood are considered. Meanwhile a barrier has been erected around the stump and it is hoped that the tree might regenerate over time although it would be centuries before any regrowth would go any way towards replicating what has been lost.

The notice reads "This tree is still alive. If we leave it alone it might sprout new growth, please respect the barrier. Take your photos from a distance."

Surprisingly, I seem to have been the first Geograph-er to have visited the site nearly seven weeks after the felling. I will aim to keep this shared description updated as events unfold.

See other images of The tree at Sycamore Gap