Sycamore Gap tree finally removed with 50ft crane carrying felled icon away

12 October 2023 , 12:43

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A crane was brought into place to carefully remove the tree from Hadrian's Wall (Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

One of the most enduring symbols of the English countryside was lost forever today.

The famous Sycamore Gap, cut down by vandals 15 days ago, was lifted from the site where it stood for more than a century. One of the most photographed trees in the world had been broken down into sections in preparation for the operation.

A crane was brought into place to carefully remove it from Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. A long wire attached to a tractor was used to keep the main section of trunk in place as it was lifted from the historic site. Walkers and visitors spoke of their sadness at the loss of a 'symbol of Nature'.

The famous tree was lifted from the site where it stood for more than a century (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

Today, the National Trust revealed that plans are in place to allow the 4ft wide by 3ft high trunk 'grow again'. And there will be talks about what to do with the sections of the felled Sycamore, with suggestions including making it into a memorial bench or sculpture.

Early tests and research by the Trust suggest the tree dates back to around 1860, and was planted by the North east philanthropist John Clayton. He lived nearby, and was well known for excavating the Roman Wall in Victorian times.

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

The tree on Hadrian's Wall, as seen in the classic movie Robin Hood, Prince Of Thieves (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Andrew Poad, of the National Trust, said that 'ironically' the vandals have 'prolonged the life' of the Sycamore, arguably one of the most famous trees in the world. It featured in the Hollywood movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves in 1991 and was voted the 2016 Tree of the Year, thanks to its enduring popularity with visitors.

Mr Poad, manager for the area, said: "The tree will regrow. It does not look like that at the moment, but we think that is pretty certain. We will now talk to people about what is the best thing to do with it." The site of the trunk will be protected to ensure that it is not damaged further.

The tree had been broken down into sections in preparation for the operation (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

Aerial photos were being taken by the Trust today using a drone. A sign still stood in place asking people 'please respect the tree and avoid 'touching it or removing any remaining pieces'. It read: "We will find a way to commemorate it, Thank You, The National Trust."

Mr Poad added: "We've been amazed and inspired by the offers of help and good wishes we've received from here in Northumberland, around the UK, and even from overseas. It's clear that this tree captured the imaginations of so many people who visited, and that it held a special - and often poignant - place in many people's hearts.

Walkers and visitors spoke of their sadness at the loss of a 'symbol of Nature' (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

"It was in a precarious position resting on the wall, so it was necessary we move it now, both to preserve the world-famous monument that is Hadrian's Wall, and to make the site safe again for visitors." Walkers Maggie McCole, 54, and Kevin McClure, 53, of Coldingham in Scotland, hoped that the wood could be used to make a sculpture which could be shared by the four home nations.

Charity worker Maggie said: "It is such a sad day. This reverberated throughout the whole nation and around the world. I think people felt the sheer helplessness of the situation." Kevin, director of a training charity added: "It is a symbol of our history and heritage. It involves people and place and people's connection with that place.

"It would be good to make something poignant with it that could be shared by the four nations and then brought back together again to help educate people about the importance of trees and Nature."

Jeremy Armstrong