On 28 September in Northumberland UK a tree was felled, and it has made the news internationally. This was the Sycamore Gap tree which was iconic as it grew in a natural dip in the landscape near Hexham and was as well known as a tree could be. Source: Timberbiz
Initially a young man aged around 16 was questioned over the felling but he was later released on bail as was a man in his 60s.
The tree was not only very special to locals but had featured in tourism and also in the 1991 film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves next to Kevin Costner.
Now the National Trust in the UK is struggling to decide what can be done; whether to save the tree or replace it. Despite overwhelming offers of support it is still at odds. Not long after the maple was cut down a similar young tree was planted by someone but it had to be removed as the site has UNESCO world Heritage status and so the site is an ancient monument and can’t be added to.
The landmark tree was believed to be around 300 years old and had stood firmly and in good health besides Hadrian’s wall until its demise. However, one of the possibilities is that the National Trust may be able to coppice the tree as the stump remained healthy.
