Great Britain A 16-year-old boy has been arrested overnight for cutting down a world-famous tree in what police say was a deliberate act.
The tree at Sycamore Gap, near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was believed to be around 300 years old and is one of the most photographed trees in Britain.
It was made famous by actor Kevin Costner when it featured in his 1991 film ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ and was voted ‘English Tree of the Year’ in 2016 at the Woodland Trust Awards. was given
This the tree The destruction caused a wave of outrage.
As police searched the area, Northumberland National Park Authority chief executive Tony Gates said staff and volunteers were devastated by the loss of a popular landmark in the park. Many people had special memories associated with this tree.
The famous Sycamore Gap tree on the side of Hadrian’s Wall near Hexham, northern England, is pictured before and after being cut September 28, 2023 (AFP)
He said he will work with the public and supporters to ensure that the area once again becomes part of special memories.
Environmental protection organizations ‘Friends of the Earth’ and ‘RSPB England’ both described the disaster as heartbreaking.
The National Trust said it was “shocking and deeply shocking”. It added: ‘We know how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by all visitors. We are working with our partners to understand what happened and what can be done.’
Ecologist Dr Amy Jane Beer wrote on social media: ‘This severed stem is a devastating metaphor for the state of nature in the UK. Heartbreaking. Disconnection is a disease. God help whoever did it.’
By chainsaw or by inaction, we are failing nature. Not always as visibly as this, but this poor stump is a devastating metaphor for the State of Nature in UK. Heartbreaking.
Disconnection is a disease.
God help whoever did this.
As it regenerates, let’s see if we can too pic.twitter.com/qdPT75o1xl
— Dr Amy-Jane Beer (@AmyJaneBeer) September 28, 2023
Ecologist Ben Goldsmith wrote that ‘Someone would destroy this famous tree is beyond comprehension, but even more shocking is that it was the only tree in the entire landscape.’
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According to news website Chronicle Live, the pub near Sycamore Gap offered a £1,500 reward to Northumberland Police for information.
The teenager, who was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage in connection with the tree felling, was in police custody on Thursday night and was assisting officers with inquiries, police said.
A spokesman for the National Park Authority added: ‘People from all over the world loved Sycamore Gap.’
Glenn Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: ‘Today is a very sad day for our county. I find it difficult to express the shock, anger and pain I feel at the destruction of this great landmark.’
Sycamore Gap is maintained by both Northumberland National Park and the National Trust and the tree was dramatically planted in Hadrian’s Wall.
The iconic Sycamore Gap tree is seen after it has been felled on the side of Hadrian’s Wall near Hexham, northern England, in September 2023 (AFP)
Superintendent Kevin Waring of Northumbria Police said: ‘This is a world-renowned landmark and today’s events have caused significant shock, sadness and anger for the entire local community and beyond.
‘An investigation was immediately launched following the disaster and this afternoon we have arrested a suspect in connection with our enquiries.
‘Given that our investigation is at a very early stage, we are keeping an open mind. I am appealing to the public for information to help us. If you have seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us, please let us know.’
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