Exploring GB

Signs of new life are emerging at the site of the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland.

From the base of the stump, 25 new shoots have emerged giving hope that the tree lives on, confirms the National Trust.

Though these shoots are small, there is optimism that they could grow into 'new' trees surrounding the original stump.

The National Trust has stated that, while it’s still early days, they and the Northumberland National Park Authority are hopeful that, if left undisturbed, the new shoots could grow into significant new growth, potentially forming 'new' trees around the original stump.

Their plan is to allow all the shoots to grow for a few years to observe their development.

In time, they will decide how to manage the tree, either as a coppiced stool or possibly reducing it to a single tree in the future.

The root zone will also be protected to prevent any compaction.

The next few months will be crucial for the success of these shoots in reviving the tree.

In the meantime, visitors are respectfully asked to avoid the stump and refrain from touching the shoots.

The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority will continue to monitor the growth of the shoots, and the site has been fenced off to protect the tree roots.

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, said: “It’s such welcome news to see that the stump has started to regenerate.

”We always had hope that nature would find a way to recover, and to see signs of life, just ten months on is astonishing.

“The tree was a mature, vigorous tree in its prime when it was felled so there was always the potential for the stump to regenerate and it’s fantastic to see the regrowth.

“Our aim is to leave all eight shoots to grow for a few years – to see how these shoots develop.

In time we’ll be able to decide how to manage the tree – as a coppiced stool or considering whether to reduce to a single tree at some point in the future.

“We’ll also do what we can to protect the root zone, and to avoid any compaction.”

The Sycamore Gap tree was one of the most photographed in the country before it was felled in October 2023.

Located between two hills along Hadrian's Wall, this iconic tree had become a symbol of the region, drawing visitors from around the world.

This tree was estimated to be more than 300 years old and was steeped in local lore and history.

It was frequently featured in photographs and films, most notably in the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where it became a backdrop for memorable scenes.

Moreover, the tree's location along Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighted its historical importance, linking it to the Roman Empire's legacy in Britain.

The area surrounding the tree was often a place for reflection, recreation, and inspiration, where people gathered to enjoy nature and contemplate the rich history embedded in the landscape.

For regular updates, we recommend following the National Trust on social media.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.

Don’t forget to check out our latest blog post below!

Thank you for visiting Exploring GB.

Featured