Famous Trees: Sycamore Gap Tree
The famous Sycamore tree was one of the most photographed trees in the country. However, it was attacked by a chainsaw and, on the 28th September 2023, the news spread that the tree had been chopped down.
The past
This well known tree was planted on Hadrian’s Wall 150 years ago. Since then, it has become the site of birthday celebrations, marriage proposals, and people’s last resting place as their families scattered loved ones ashes.
The Sycamore tree became particularly famous after the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves came out. As a result of its appearance in this film, the tree was nicknamed the Robin Hood Tree, even though it was 273 km from Robin Hood’s legendary stomping ground, Sherwood Forest.
The Sycamore Gap Tree sat on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Ford. Then it was chopped down. The tree had to be removed in sections, the largest of which will be housed at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
The future
The National Trust collected seeds from the tree to grow into saplings, which have started to sprout. However, the tree appears to be surviving on its own.
Eight shoots have sprouted from the stump, raising hopes that the tree might regrow. However, experts say that it will take three years to know for certain. The shoots will be left to grow, but it is unlikely that any of the shoots will look anything like the felled tree.
If you plan to visit, take care and maintain a distance from the stump to give it a chance to grow.