Two men have been charged with cutting down the beloved 50-year-old Sycamore Gap tree that fell over on Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, were charged with causing criminal damage to the wall built in A.D. 122 by Emperor Hadrian. The tree, which was a popular subject for landscape photographers and a landmark on the path along the wall, was featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” The nighttime felling of the tree caused widespread outrage and police referred to it as a deliberate act of vandalism.
Northumbria Police Superintendent Kevin Waring described the incident as an “incredibly sad day” when the tree was found toppled over. Alison Hawkins, a hiker who was among the first people to see the tree on the ground, expressed shock, stating that it was an iconic picture that everyone wanted to see. The nature of the tree falling due to natural causes could be forgiven, but the deliberate act of cutting it down was unforgivable. Graham and Carruthers were arrested in October and released on bail, with authorities taking more than six months to bring charges against them.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney acknowledged the strong emotions in the local community and beyond regarding the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. She urged people to refrain from speculation or comments that could affect the ongoing criminal case. The National Trust, which owns the land where the tree stood, mentioned that it may take up to three years to see if new growth sprouts from the sycamore’s stump. The trust removed the tree and collected seeds and cuttings in the hopes of planting them later on to preserve the legacy of the iconic tree.
The charged individuals, Graham and Carruthers, are set to appear in Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on May 15 to face the allegations of causing criminal damage to the historic wall and cutting down the tree. The tree’s location on Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, made it a significant landmark and a popular attraction for visitors. The incident of its destruction caused shock and disappointment among locals and conservationists, with efforts underway to restore the tree and potentially plant new growth from the collected seeds and cuttings. The criminal case against the accused individuals will proceed as the community awaits justice for the loss of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.
The Sycamore Gap tree’s fall garnered attention as a notable moment in the history of Hadrian’s Wall, a symbol of the Roman Empire’s legacy in the region. The tree’s connection to popular culture, through its appearance in the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” added to its significance and the outrage surrounding its deliberate destruction. The National Trust’s efforts to salvage seeds and cuttings from the tree’s remains indicate a commitment to preserving the memory of the iconic landmark. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting heritage sites and natural landmarks against acts of vandalism and destruction.
