One Month since its Demise, we Investigate the History of the Sycamore Gap Tree

The Sycamore Gap Tree, which was also known as the Robin Hood Tree, was a sycamore tree standing next to Hadrian’s Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It was visible from the B6318 Military Road. Interestingly the name “Sycamore Gap” was introduced by a National Trust employee when the area was being mapped by the Ordnance Survey to describe its location.

Standing in a dramatic dip in the landscape, it was one of the most photographed and famous trees in the country. The tree was featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, from which it gained its alternative name. In reality, it was 170 miles from Sherwood Forest. It has also featured on TV shows including Vera and various documentaries.

In 2016 the tree won the England Tree of the Year award in the Woodland Trust’s Awards. The tree was a sycamore (acer pseudoplatanus) tree. Its location, with the historic wall and the hills as a backdrop, has made it a popular and iconic feature for the Northeast of England.

The Tree’s Origins and Demise

The Sycamore was planted in the late 19th century by John Clayton, a lawyer and the previous landowner. He was a keen excavator of Hadrian’s Wall. Over a period of 50 years, he worked to enhance the understanding of the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, as he was worried that it was being destroyed by people taking parts of the wall away to build other structures. From a wealthy family background, John owned five forts and about 20 miles of Hadrian’s Wall, ensuring they were under his protection.

The site was excavated between 1908 and 1911 and then also between 1982 and 1987. Located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the land and tree came into the care of the National Trust in the 1940s and is supported by the Northumberland National Park Authority.

It was felled in the early morning of 28 September 2023 in “an act of vandalism” which caused national outrage. In actual fact the Director of Robin Hood also expressed his views, calling the act “ugly”, “despicable” and “senseless” in a BBC article.

The Tree’s Future

The National Trust have since removed the trunk after workers cut off some of its branches using chainsaws. Due to its size, specialists had to cut it into large pieces and use a crane. It will now be stored in an undisclosed location before its fate is decided, and it is hoped the public can have a say.

Already, seeds from the tree have been collected and are being looked after by the National Trust’s specialist propagators at its Plant Conservation Centre.

Temporary fencing has been put in place to protect the stump, which could “begin to sprout new shoots in time”. The National Trust has advised people to “treat the stump with respect” as it considers its future, and it has encouraged people to share their ideas.

If you’d like to get in touch with suggestions for the future of the site and the tree, the National Trust has invited people to get in touch by emailing them at sycamoregap@nationaltrust.org.uk.

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From approval for the pruning to tidying up after they left, the team has been impeccably professional, pleasant and kind....

2 days ago

Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.... Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.

1 week ago

Terry

We have been using Artemis Tree Services for many years now and have just had our annual tree and shrub maintenance visit. Wonderful job as usual. The garden now looks great thanks to a very hard work... We have been using Artemis Tree Services for many years now and have just had our annual tree and shrub maintenance visit. Wonderful job as usual. The garden now looks great thanks to a very hard working and knowledgable team. Thanks again, see you next year.

Excellent service from start to finish. Clear quotes, no jargon, prompt responses to queries and arrived on time. A large tree was expertly removed and recycled. The very professional and pleasant tea... Excellent service from start to finish. Clear quotes, no jargon, prompt responses to queries and arrived on time. A large tree was expertly removed and recycled. The very professional and pleasant team even removed the leaves from the lawn. Thoroughly recommend! Very reasonable pricing also. No hidden extras.

3 weeks ago

David Lynn

The team arrived on time, carried out all the requested work and left our garden neat and tidy. The tree work was as planned , we are very pleased and would recommend the company with no hesitation.... The team arrived on time, carried out all the requested work and left our garden neat and tidy. The tree work was as planned , we are very pleased and would recommend the company with no hesitation.

1 month ago

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Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.... Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.

2 months ago

Vicki

Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.... Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.

3 months ago

Jill Lesley Sloley

The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spok... The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spoken to have also been friendly, helpful and efficient.

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Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - k... Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - knew what they were doing and clearly communicated how the job was going and answered any questions we had during the work. They took their time to do the job well. Site left tidy with trees pruned and shaped as agreed. Artemis are expert and professional.

4 months ago

steve lynch

Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!... Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!

5 months ago

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6 months ago

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7 months ago

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8 months ago

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