The Sycamore Gap tree was a famous and beloved landmark in northern England. It stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park. This sycamore was estimated to be about 150 to 200 years old. It gained fame as a scenic spot and was featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner.
The tree grew in a small dip known as Sycamore Gap, near the village of Once Brewed. The location holds great historical significance, as Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built nearly 2,000 years ago by the Romans to mark the empire’s northern boundary.
Sycamore Gap was often referred to as one of the most photographed trees in England and was named Tree of the Year in 2016. It served as a backdrop for many special moments, including marriage proposals and memorials. It represented natural beauty and was cherished by locals and visitors alike.
Tragically, in September 2023, two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, deliberately cut down the tree. This act of vandalism shocked and saddened many people in the UK and across the world. The crime also caused damage to Hadrian’s Wall itself. Police described their actions as “a moronic mission” and criminal damage to both nature and heritage.
Following the investigation, Graham and Carruthers were sentenced in July 2025 to four years and three months in prison each. The judge highlighted the high degree of planning and the social impact of their crime, calling it an act done for “sheer bravado” and noting that the offenders reveled in the notoriety. This sentencing was the first of its kind in the UK for illegally felling a tree.
Despite the loss, there is new hope for the Sycamore Gap tree’s future. The National Trust has observed new shoots growing from the tree’s stump. In mid-2024, eight shoots were found with small leaves, showing nature’s resilience and potential for regeneration. Experts say it could take years for these shoots to grow into significant new trees, and it may take centuries for a tree like the original to fully replace itself.
The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority remain committed to protecting this site. They continue to plant seeds collected from the tree across the country, hoping the shoots will flourish. The site’s emotional and natural value remained strong even after the damage.
The Sycamore Gap tree will be remembered not only for its iconic role in film and history but also as a symbol of Britain’s natural heritage and the public connection to nature. The scene of its falling sparked worldwide mourning and a renewed focus on protecting such irreplaceable landmarks.
