Two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, have been charged with cutting down a popular 150-year-old Sycamore Gap tree that fell over on Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. They are facing charges of causing criminal damage and damaging the historic wall, built in A.D. 122 by Emperor Hadrian to guard the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire. The majestic canopy of the sycamore made it a popular subject for landscape photographers and a destination along the path of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, after being featured in the movie “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves” in 1991.
The nighttime felling of the tree caused widespread outrage as police sought to find the culprits behind what they believed to be a deliberate act of vandalism. Northumbria Police Superintendent Kevin Waring described it as “an incredibly sad day” when the tree was discovered lying on the ground by a hiker named Alison Hawkins, who expressed shock at the loss of the iconic natural landmark. Graham and Carruthers were arrested in October, released on bail, and now ordered to appear in court on May 15 to face the charges brought against them.
Authorities took more than six months to bring charges against the two men, recognizing the strong emotions in the local community and beyond regarding the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree. Despite the community’s feelings towards the incident, Det. Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney urged people to refrain from making speculative or damaging comments that could impact the criminal case. The National Trust, which owns the land where the tree once stood, estimated it would take up to three years to see if new growth would emerge from the sycamore’s stump and collected seeds and cuttings to potentially replant in the future.
The National Trust removed the fallen tree and expressed hope that a third of the seeds and cuttings collected could potentially be planted to restore the iconic Sycamore Gap tree to its former glory. The tree, which was featured in films and loved by many, was a significant natural and historical landmark along Hadrian’s Wall that attracted visitors and photographers from around the world. The criminal damage caused by the felling of the tree has led to charges being brought against the individuals responsible, highlighting the importance of preserving and protecting historical and natural sites for future generations to enjoy.
The upcoming court appearance of Graham and Carruthers is expected to bring closure to the local community and broader audience impacted by the loss of the beloved tree. The emotional response to the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree reflects the strong connection people have to nature and historical landmarks, emphasizing the need for responsible and respectful behavior towards these sites. The actions of the two men in cutting down the tree have led to a legal intervention that aims to uphold the value of preserving natural and historical heritage for the benefit of society and the environment.
