Three theories behind what could have made historic Sycamore Gap tree fall
A national park has today insisted it will be "special again" despite the mysterious felling of one of its most iconic trees - Sycamore Gap - which stood in a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall.
Sycamore Gap, also known as Robin Hood Tree, was described as one of the most photographed trees in the country. It derived its alternative name from featuring in a prominent scene in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, but during the early hours of Thursday, it was felled.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, Northumbria Police said yesterday. Mystery shrouds why and how the 300-year-old tree came to the ground so suddenly and Northumberland National Park (NNP) is determined to unravel the enigma and is working with police.
"Hopefully, we'll find a way together of moving ahead and making the Sycamore Gap a special place for all of us, and all of those memories we carry from the past, and make it special for us all once again," Tony Gates, chief executive of NNP, said. He acknowledged the popularity of the tree, particularly during the COVID lockdowns and restrictions.
Here are three theories as to what may have happened.
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"Lone 'professional' chopped down the tree and 'knew the area'"
Some have theorised the sycamore had been chopped down by "a professional who knew where they were going to cut", potentially using a torch to complete the job in the dark. Others, however, suggested an accomplice would be needed to help with the chainsaw or provide light - but police are yet to confirm how many were involved in the hacking of the beloved tree.
The iconic tree in Northumberland was famous around the world (Getty Images)"Act wasn't spontaneous because there was white paint on the tree"
National Trust has acquired most of the land on which adjacent Hadrian's Wall sits. It appears National Trust has considered the act was planned because it noted the tree appeared to have been marked with white paint. Andrew Poad, general manager of National Trust for Hadrian's Wall, told The Times : "I think it probably would have been done in about half an hour. You can see they have marked where they wanted it cut. So this wasn't a spontaneous thing. It would have been done in the night when nobody could hear the sound of a chainsaw because of the wind. But we just don't know."
"Stormy weather caused Sycamore Gap's destruction"
Some visitors, who had been on hiking trips to NNP, said they initially believed the tree had fallen during recent stormy weather. Storm Agnes raged across the UK this week. Alison Hawkins, who lives in Liverpool and had been walking through the national park on Thursday, saw the devastation.
"At first we thought it was because of the storm but then we saw a national park ranger. He said it had been cut down and there was paint around the cut section, so it was a professional who knew where they were going to cut," Ms Hawkins said. It is, therefore, unlikely Storm Agnes was linked to the destruction.
Pictures capture the scene of devastation beside Hadrian's Wall (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)A landlord whose pub stands close to an iconic tree has offered a £1,500 reward for anyone who brings the guilty party to justice. The Twice Brewed Inn called the destruction "senseless".
The pub's statement reads: "Everyone at The Twice Brewed Inn is devastated by the senseless felling of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree. This iconic landmark is woven throughout The Twice Brewed - from our logo to our sister Brewery's award-winning ale - and we are truly appalled by its destruction. We are offering a £1,500 bar tab as a reward to the person who provides information to Northumbria Police that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for destroying such a precious beacon of natural beauty on Hadrian's Wall."
Andrew Poad, general manager of National Trust, said it appeared the tree had been marked with white paint (Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)NNP has asked the public not to visit the site at this time whilst they work with partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe. A range of enquiries are ongoing, with the support of partners, as Northumbria Police officers look to understand the full circumstances.
Northumbria Police is appealing to the public for information. Superintendent Kevin Waring said: "Given our investigation remains at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind. I am appealing to the public for information to assist us – if you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know. Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our inquiries."
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