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Sycamore Gap ‘Robin Hood Tree’ Cut Down In ‘Deliberate Act Of Vandalism’

By Rachael Grealish

The Sycamore Gap ‘Robin Hood tree’ was cut down during the night in what ahs been described as ‘deliberate act of vandalism’, leaving people devastated.

The large tree at Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was cut down overnight, it was confirmed today, Thursday, September 28.

Northumbria Police has said they believe the tree was cut down in a ‘deliberate act of vandalism’ and have vowed to bring anyone responsible to justice.

Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the North East and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region.

“As a Force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation.

“Anyone found to have been responsible for this damage – which we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect to be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.”

The National Trust also released a statement saying they are currently working to find out what happened.

The spokesperson said: “We are shocked and desperately saddened to learn that the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian’s Wall has been felled overnight, in what appears to be an act of vandalism.

“We know just how much this iconic tree is loved locally, nationally and by everyone who has visited. We are working with our partners to understand what has happened and what can be done. The incident has also been reported to the police.”

The tree, which has been an important and iconic feature in the landscape for nearly 200 years, gained significant notoriety when it was featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

In a second post, The National Trust has encouraged people not to visit the Sycamore Gap site, for safety reasons, while police investigate further

People have commented saying they are ‘devastated’ to see the loss of the iconic tree now gone from the Northumberland countryside and ‘disgusted’ to discover it was vandalism.