The Sycamore Gap tree, once tragically felled, is now miraculously growing again offering a hopeful symbol of resilience and a second chance at life.
What is Sycamore Gap Tree?
For over a century, the large sycamore tree thrived in a low area between two hills in Northumberland National Park, England, its thick, leafy top becoming a well-known part of the green scenery. The charming sycamore tree, a standout feature of Hadrian’s Wall, was adored by visitors, photographers, nature lovers, and those trekking along the wall.
Its fame soared after appearing in the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” starring Kevin Costner. This led to its affectionate nickname, the Robin Hood Tree, despite being a considerable 170 miles (273 km) away from Sherwood Forest. The tree held a special place in the landscape of Northumberland, England, and in the hearts of those who visited it, occupying a truly magical spot.
What Happened to Sycamore?
On the morning of September 28, 2023, shocking news spread that the tree had been deliberately chopped down overnight. Locals were unaware of the incident due to the high winds caused by Storm Agnes. Two men in their 30s were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and have since been released on bail, according to Northumbria Police. The toppling of the tree sparked an outpouring of anger and astonishment in the community.
The National Trust has described the public response to the loss of the tree as “unprecedented” The long-standing conservation charity reported that nearly 17 million people have been following the news of the tree’s fate through its social media channels.
The director of Robin Hood Movie Kevin Reynolds was furious about the incident and he stated it was “one of the most quintessentially idyllic spots in the world and now it’s gone, it’s murdered, and for what reason?”
Legacy of the Sycamore Gap
In December, the National Trust announced that seeds collected from the tree would be utilized to grow new saplings, with work underway at its rare plant propagation nursery. This month, it was confirmed that new life had indeed sprung from the rescued seeds and twigs of the Sycamore Gap tree.
Sprouts from the rescued seeds and twigs of the Sycamore Gap have emerged in a discreet National Trust laboratory, sparking optimism that the iconic tree will regenerate after being felled with a chainsaw. Five months into the laboratory’s secretive operations, where its exact whereabouts are shrouded in mystery, tiny shoots are thriving. The lab is nurturing nine grafted plants and 50 seedling clones, serving as potential backups in case the stump does not regenerate naturally. National Trust centre has released footage of seeds getting sprouted.
However, according to the scientists, it will be three years before they can determine if the stump is healthy enough to give rise to the next generation of the iconic tree.
Reports indicate that plans were already underway to create a backup version of the Sycamore Gap tree before it was felled. Gardeners have since crafted five grafted “clones” of the tree and nurtured approximately 50 seedlings.
As new shoots emerge and plans for the future take shape, the Sycamore Gap tree stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of resilience and the possibility of new beginnings.
