Remembering Sycamore Gap - the famous ‘Robin Hood’ tree that once stood tall beside Hadrian’s Wall.

Описание: The famous tree that gave Sycamore Gap in Northumberland its name was illegally felled in September 2023. In this film from the National Trust, hear how this heritage crime triggered a wave of emotions as the news quickly spread around the world.

Even those that had never visited Sycamore Gap were heartbroken. The historic tree became one of the world’s most iconic after it famously appeared in the Robin Hood film Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman.

In the immediate aftermath of the sycamore’s felling, people first on the scene recall their shock to find that this iconic landmark had been cut down in an act of vandalism. They relay the story as it unfolded on that eventful day and reflect on the devastation felt by local people and visitors alike.

An outpouring of support flooded social media as people began sharing their photos of the tree and remembering special occasions, from wedding proposals and anniversaries to sheltered picnics enjoyed by walkers on the Hadrian’s Wall Path under its canopy. The shared sense of grief and loss was palpable.

Andrew Poad, General Manager of Northumberland Coast and Hadrian’s Wall, describes the impact its loss has had on the landscape of the National Park. Hear about the work the National Trust are doing with local people and partners to commemorate the tree’s stump. You’ll also hear from Lee MacFarlane, Inspector of Ancient Monuments at Historic England, who talks about how the damage to the Roman Wall has been repaired after the tree fell across it, a scheduled monument and a World Heritage Site.

The ancient tree was believed to be more than 200 years old, and its roots run deep in the North of England and beyond. A symbol of strength and vitality, it captured our imaginations and will be remembered in the hearts and minds of people for generations.

Thankfully, there’s hope for the future and long-term legacy of Sycamore Gap as many of the seeds collected in the first few hours after the tree fell have successfully sprouted. Watch the film to see how they’re being cared for at the National Trust's Plant Conservation Centre until they’re mature enough to be planted.

If you’d like to support the National Trust’s work to plant more trees, you might wish to donate to Plant a Tree as a tribute to Sycamore Gap and help another sapling to grow. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/supp...

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