Anger as tree dating back to Battle of Hastings felled after Sycamore Gap attack

05 October 2023 , 18:44

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The felled yew tree in East Sussex (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

An ancient yew tree that witnessed the Battle of Hastings has been felled sparking fury.

Following on from the attack on the Sycamore Gap tree that was chopped down last week, a 40ft-high tree was brought down in a field near Uckham Lane, Battle in East Sussex. It is just a mile from Senlac Hill which is where the Battle of Hastings is believed to have taken place in 1066.

Qualified tree surgeon and arboriculturalist Paul Lawrence said he was angered when he saw what had happened while he was out walking his dog and told how the tree has a special meaning for him. He believes it was felled last week.

Mr Lawrence told The Argus: "The tree means a lot to me, my grandad’s ashes were sprinkled there."

The tree is around one thousand years old (Sussex News and Pictures)

“The yew is in line with some oaks which are in the 700 year old age range. This is an ancient marker of an old woodland, this keeps happening and no one seems to do anything."

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

Mr Lawrence added that he wants to raise awareness about the number of ancient trees that are being lost. "I wouldn't make a fuss if it wasn't a yew because another tree of that size would probably have ten years to live. Yew trees live much longer," he added.

The Sycamore Gap was felled in an act of vandalism (Newcastle Chronicle)

The attack on the Sycamore Gap tree has also caused damage to Hadrian's Wall, investigators have found, as a probe continues into whether there is grounds for further charges.

The 300-year-old tree near Hexham, Northumberland, was cut down last week in a suspected act of vandalism. Police have since arrested and bailed a local former lumberjack and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage.

Crime specialists sent to the scene by Historic England have been analysing the site, with early signs of "minor damage" caused to the wall - a 73-mile Roman construction which once marked the then-border between England and Scotland. The investigation is in its early stages, the heritage group told The Times, and would continue.

Tim Hanlon