Lumberjack accused of felling Sycamore Gap tree returns to farm after release

A retired lumberjack who was arrested following the felling of the beloved Sycamore Gap Tree has returned to a farm where police have recovered a large chainsaw.

Walter Renwick, 69, was seen back at Plankey Mill Farm, in Northumberland, after being taken into custody. A chainsaw had been found as police continue to search for the culprit behind the chopping down of the Sycamore Gap tree.

The farm is about eight miles from the historic tree and the chainsaw was discovered in an outbuilding on the property. It was pictured being carried away by police in a clear evidence bag.

Images now show him bare chested by a caravan at the property and talking to police. Mr Renwick had lived at the property all his life before being evicted in a long legal dispute with the landowner. And then on Friday he was arrested in connection with the chopping down of the iconic tree.

The felled tree (Newcastle Chronicle)

Yesterday he was released on bail as the investigation continues and he vehemently denies he had anything to do with the tree being felled. Hours before his arrest, Mr Renwick told the Sun: "You've got the wrong feller. I am a former lumberjack and I have just been kicked off my property, so I can see why people have pointed the finger.

Three theories behind what could have made historic Sycamore Gap tree fall

He added: "But it was the perfect night to do it. There was a full moon so it would have been well lit and the wind would have meant there was barely any sound. Trees have their own DNA and you can use the dust to track down which tree was felled, so it'll be easy to find who did it."

Police pictured at the farm on Saturday (North News & Pictures Ltd)

Mr Renwick was ordered to leave his farm by a court following a two-year-long legal battle - which ended in the eviction order. Throughout the case, Mr Renwick spoke emotively of his ties to the land which was leased under his late father's name. "I was born here," he said, "It is like a tree with roots." He was afforded a 28-day reprieve from eviction after taking the case to Carlisle County Court but the Jesuits of Britain, who own the land, say they have now taken possession of it.

The Sycamore Gap tree was felled throughout the night between Wednesday and Thursday last week, sparking national outrage. One line of police inquiry suggested the motive behind the felling could be an online stunt.

Police are appealing for information from the public. Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark – and a local treasure – has quite rightly resulted in an outpour of shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield. Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries.”