Locals have been angered after an iconic tree was cut down seemingly deliberately.
The Sycamore Gap tree is a famous landmark in the area, and has even been featured in a Hollywood film, but now it has been destroyed, and destroyed on purpose, according to Northumberland National Park.
Sitting at the side of Hadrian’s Wall, the tree had stood for a long time next to one of Northern England’s most recognisable landmarks, in turn becoming a landmark of note itself.
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The tree had been looked after by both the Northumberland National Park and the National Trust, who had also used the tree in incredible images showing the stars above it, as the area is an International Dark Sky Park, and offers amazing opportunities to stargaze with the naked eye, as well as boasting an observatory.
The famous sycamore tree also featured in the 1991 blockbuster film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman and Christian Slater.
As an aside - and sad as this act of vandalism is - you should definitely check that film out, it’s so unbelievably bad at times that it is an absolutely phenomenal watch.
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However, now the tree has been felled, with reports stating that park officials believe the felling to have been done ‘deliberately’.
In a statement, the park authority said: "Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down overnight.
“We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled."
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An investigation into the incident has been launched, and many locals have spoken of the attachment they had to the tree, as well as the sadness in hearing it has been destroyed.
Author LJ Ross, who wrote a book called Sycamore Gap, said that the incident is ‘terribly sad’.
On a social media account, she said: “Terribly sad to hear of the loss of this iconic, beautiful tree, which was the setting for my second book and a source of peace and inspiration to many.
“If this was an act of vandalism, I can only think that the person responsible is deeply unwell.
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“It’s madness.”
MP for Hexham Guy Opperman described the felling as ‘criminal damage’.
The Conservative politician wrote: “Sadly it is true that the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap has been deliberately cut down overnight.
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“Too early to speculate who did it, but this is criminal damage, and an attack on one of the nation’s most famous trees.
“I was here only ten days ago: everyone in shock.
“Police are very much involved, and I am liaising here on the Wall with Northumberland National Park.
“This was not an act by any of the official organisations who are responsible for Hadrian’s Wall, the World heritage sites or the national park, who are all devastated.”
Topics: UK News, Environment
Tom Wood