National Trust may create exact replica of felled Sycamore Gap tree from 3D scan

27 October 2023 , 14:18

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The famous tree before it was felled (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

National Trust bosses have produced a 3D scan of the famous Sycamore Gap tree with a view to producing an exact replica.

They have taken their inspiration from the historic site of Palmyra in Syria. Destroyed in an Isis attack in 2015, visitors' images were used to recreate some of the key parts of the ancient city. Then a 3D-printed replica of the Triumphal Arch of the 2nd Century BC Temple of Bel, which had been reduced to rubble, was displayed in Trafalgar Square.

The replica of the 50ft tree could be made following consultation with the public, heritage groups and experts. The National Trust will also consider the idea of giving parts of its trunk - it is likely to take around two years to 'season' - to artists, craftspeople and even schoolchildren to produce displays for a Sycamore Gap 'exhibition'.

A 3D scan has been taken of the tree by the National Trust (PA)

It would be similar to the 'One Oak' project which dates back to 2012. It took a single veteran Oak tree from the Blenheim Palace estate in Oxfordshire, gave it to a wide range of people and then put their work on display; sawdust from the tree was used by chef Raymond Blanc to smoke salmon.

Trust bosses have been 'inundated' with ideas of what to do with the Sycamore since it was felled by vandals on Sept 27. Andrew Poad, their general manager for Hadrian's Wall, said the tree was being kept in a secret location to prevent 'trophy hunters' stealing parts of it.

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It will be left to season as public consultation takes place. "We now have a 3D scan of the tree," he told the Mirror. "Palmyra in Syria was blown up by Isis. Everyone who had visited the site down the years was asked to send in their photos, and they created a 3D model of it.

"As our model of the tree is digital, you can do a million and one different things with it, and we will be working with academic partners like universities who can help us." The 'One Oak' project saw items made from the tree go on display in Edinburgh, he added. The same could be done with the Sycamore at Hadrian's Wall.

The replica idea comes after the director of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves attacked vandals who cut down the tree. Kevin Reynolds, 71, featured the iconic Sycamore in his 1991 blockbuster starring Kevin Costner, and described its loss as 'senseless'. A 16-year-old boy and a man in his 60s were held on suspicion of criminal damage and released on bail.

Jeremy Armstrong