Three years after the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, conservationists have revealed that its remaining stump is producing a thick ring of new shoots. The landmark, which was planted in the late 1800s and stood in a natural dip in the landscape, was cut down overnight on September 28, 2023.
- National Trust Measures Aid Natural Recovery
- Preserving the Legacy of Sycamore Gap
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Sycamore Gap tree cut down?
- Who was convicted for felling the tree?
- How tall are the new shoots growing from the stump?
- What steps did the National Trust take to protect the stump?
- What happened to the seeds of the original tree?
The new growth currently stands between two and three feet tall. According to the National Trust, which manages the historic site, this promising development highlights the effectiveness of targeted protection measures implemented since the vandalism occurred.
National Trust Measures Aid Natural Recovery
Following the destruction of the tree, site managers fenced off the remaining stump to prevent human trampling and give the roots an opportunity to recover. Rangers also worked to reduce soil compaction around the root system.
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, noted the positive progress. “These flourishing shoots are really encouraging and show that the special measures we’ve taken-including reducing soil compaction around the roots and limiting human disturbance-are paying off,” Poad stated.
He expressed appreciation for public cooperation, adding, “We’re grateful to all the visitors who, through the care they are taking, are supporting our efforts to protect the tree and give it the best possible chance to thrive. We’re monitoring the tree closely and, over time, our rangers will manage it depending on how it develops. But for now, we’re filled with hope by the way nature is taking its course.”
Preserving the Legacy of Sycamore Gap
The felling of the sycamore caused widespread national outrage and generated international headlines in late 2023. The tree previously achieved global fame after appearing in the 1991 feature film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
In July 2025, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were sentenced to four years and three months in prison after being convicted of criminal damage to both the historic tree and the adjacent Roman monument. Prosecutors during the Newcastle Crown Court trial described the late-night journey from Cumbria during a storm as a “moronic mission.”
To ensure the tree’s lineage survived, seedlings were collected immediately after the felling and preserved at a secret National Trust propagation center. Saplings successfully grown from these seeds have since been donated to community groups and charities across the UK, while various arts projects have been launched to highlight the enduring cultural importance of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Sycamore Gap tree cut down?
The landmark tree was illegally felled overnight on September 28, 2023.
Who was convicted for felling the tree?
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were convicted of criminal damage and sentenced in July 2025 to four years and three months in prison.
How tall are the new shoots growing from the stump?
The new shoots surrounding the stump currently stand between two and three feet tall, three years after the felling.
What steps did the National Trust take to protect the stump?
The National Trust fenced off the remains of the tree, reduced soil compaction around the roots, and limited human foot traffic to encourage natural recovery.
What happened to the seeds of the original tree?
Seedlings were harvested and preserved at a secure National Trust facility. Saplings grown from these seeds have been distributed to community groups and charities across the United Kingdom.
