World-famous Sycamore Gap tree is cut up and removed in pieces

The felled Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrian’s Wall is being removed after it was cut down in what detectives have called a “deliberate act of vandalism”.

A crane is lifting the felled 50ft sycamore after it was cut from its root beside the Roman wall last month.

Northumbria Police have arrested a boy aged 16 and a man in his 60s. Both have been bailed pending further investigation.

The world-famous tree, which featured in the 1991 Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, is too big to move in one piece.

However, experts hope to keep the trunk in large sections to keep options open on what could be done with it in the future.

It has been suggested the trunk could be used to create some kind of monument, though the decision will rest with the landowners, The National Trust.

The stump – which could generate new shoots – will be kept in place and is currently behind a protective barrier, while seeds have been collected and could be used to propagate new saplings.

Andrew Poad, the site’s general manager for the National Trust, said: “It’s currently in a precarious position resting on the wall, so it’s necessary we move it now, both to preserve the world-famous monument that is Hadrian’s Wall, and to make the site safe again for visitors.

“We’ve explored every option for moving the tree and while it isn’t possible to lift it in one go, as the tree is multi-stemmed with a large crown, we have aimed to keep the trunk in as large sections as possible, to give us flexibility on what the tree becomes in future.”

People are being urged to stay away from the area while the operation takes place.

The sycamore, situated in a dramatic dip in the Northumberland landscape beside Hadrian’s Wall, was planted between 1860 and 1890, according to the National Trust.

It was popular among photographers, painters and hikers, and had become somewhat of an emblem for the north east of England.

Alongside a Hollywood film appearance, the much-loved sycamore was also voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards.

Mr Poad said: “We’ve been amazed and inspired by the offers of help and good wishes we’ve received from here in Northumberland, around the UK, and even from overseas.

“It’s clear that this tree captured the imaginations of so many people who visited, and that it held a special – and often poignant – place in many people’s hearts.”

There will be a public consultation about what happens next at the site, which has UNESCO designation and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Mike Innerdale, the National Trust’s regional director for the North of England, said: “The outpouring we’ve seen shows just how important the connection is between people and nature in its many forms.

“As we consider plans for this special tree, and this very special place, we’ll also look to harness that support for trees, landscapes and nature all across the country, and use the sycamore as a symbol of recovery.”

The preservation body Historic England said Hadrian’s Wall sustained damage when the tree fell on it.

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