One of the UK's most famous trees, the landmark at Sycamore Gap near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was deliberately felled recently. Experts believe that while new shoots may grow
from the stump, the tree will never fully recover.
National Trust manager Andrew Poad explained that the stump is still healthy, and they might be able to use a technique called coppicing to encourage new shoots to grow from the trunk's base. However, even if this is successful, it will take many years for the tree to resemble its former self.
Mark Feather, estate manager at the Woodland Trust, noted that it would take centuries to replace a tree of this age. Rob Ternent, head gardener at the Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, added that the tree might start growing again, but it won't have the same shape or quality as before.
Northumberland National Park Authority officials believe the tree, known as Robin Hood's Tree, was deliberately felled. The tree was an emblem of the county and had inspired artists, writers, and photographers.
The loss of this ancient tree has sparked sadness and anger in the North East. Many people have fond memories of the tree, which was around 300 years old. It even featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The High Sheriff of Northumberland, Diana Barkes, expressed her hope that something meaningful could be created from the wood to remember the tree and those who cherished it.
In 2016, the tree was named Tree of the Year in a competition organized by the Woodland Trust. The public response to its felling has been significant, with calls for greater protection for old and venerable trees and hopes for natural forestation in the region to compensate for the loss of this iconic tree. Photo by Tomorrow Never Knows, Wikimedia commons.