World famous Sycamore Gap tree felled overnight

  • Chris Conway reports from the scene where the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree has been chopped down overnight

Investigations are underway after the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is believed to have been felled overnight.

The tree on Hadrian's Wall in rural Northumberland, which is one of the most photographed in the country, was found felled early on Thursday morning.

Northumbria Police have launched an investigation.

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The iconic tree featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and is one of the most photographed in the country. Credit: PA

In a statement, Northumberland National Park Authority said: "Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down overnight.

"We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.

"Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much-loved by people from across the world."

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Sycamore Gap is the name of a site along Hadrian's Wall where a single sycamore tree once stood. Credit: PA

It continued: "Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe."

Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the North East and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region.

Northumbria Police are investigating what they believe to be a 'deliberate act of vandalism'. Credit: NCJ Media

"As a Force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation.

"I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows anything that can assist our investigation to get in touch with us."

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It's believed to be one of the most photographed trees in the British Isles. Credit: PA

What is Sycamore Gap?

Sycamore Gap is the name of a site along Hadrian's Wall in rural Northumberland where a single sycamore tree once stood in a dip between the hills.

The tree itself is believed to have dated back to medieval times. It was excavated on two occasions - between 1908 and 1911 and again between 1982 and 1987 where Roman remains linked to Hadrian's wall were found.

In 1991, Sycamore Gap provided a setting for the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, which starred Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman.

In the years since, it has become one of the most photographed trees in the British Isles, as well as being a very personal location for many, including becoming a hotspot for proposals, stargazers and walkers alike.

In 2016 it was named English Tree of the Year in the Woodland Trust’s awards, and the site has formed part of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hadrian's Wall since it was designated in 1987.

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