Two men, Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, have been charged with causing criminal damage to the iconic 150-year-old Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. The tree, which had become a popular subject for landscape photographers due to its majestic canopy, fell last year, causing widespread outrage. The incident also resulted in damage to the wall built by Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 122 to protect the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire.
Graham and Carruthers are set to appear in Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on May 15 to face charges related to the deliberate act of vandalism. The nighttime felling of the tree shocked the local community and visitors alike, as it was considered an iconic symbol along the path of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tree gained further recognition after being featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.”
The National Trust, which owns the land where the tree stood, removed it and is now awaiting signs of new growth from the sycamore’s stump. The trust has collected a significant number of seeds and cuttings, with hopes of planting them in the future. However, it may take up to three years to determine if the tree can be successfully regenerated.
The arrest of Graham and Carruthers took place in October, and they were subsequently released on bail. The charges against them were brought after more than six months of investigation. Det. Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney acknowledged the strong emotions surrounding the incident but urged the public to refrain from speculation or comments that could impact the ongoing criminal case.
1 Response
I can’t believe that someone would intentionally cause damage to such a historic and iconic tree like the Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall. It’s truly disheartening to hear about incidents like this.
I remember visiting Hadrian’s Wall a few years ago during a trip to England. The wall itself was impressive, but what really caught my attention was the Sycamore Gap tree. Its unique position, nestled in the gap between two hills, made it stand out among the