Felled Sycamore Gap stump has 'encouraging' growth
The stump of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, illegally felled in 2023, is showing signs of regrowth with new shoots appearing. The National Trust has implemented protective measures to support the tree's recovery following the conviction of the two men responsible.
Why it matters
The story represents a symbolic victory for environmental conservation and public interest in preserving natural landmarks.
Image source, National Trust Images/PA Image caption, The tree stump on Hadrian's Wall has been surrounded by a fence to protect it
The stump of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is showing "encouraging" signs with a thick ring of new shoots growing around it, three years on from its illegal felling.
The landmark on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland was targeted on 28 September 2023 by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, who travelled during a storm from their homes in Cumbria to cut it down.
Their actions sparked widespread outrage and the pair were later jailed for criminal damage to the Victorian-planted tree and Roman wall .
Site owners the National Trust fenced off the stump to see if it would recover, with general manager Andrew Poad saying he is "filled with hope by the way nature is taking its course".
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