Sycamore Gap Update

Frequently asked questions

Please read our FAQs for further information.

About the tree

This iconic sycamore tree was planted in the late 1800s (between 1860-1890) by the previous landowner, John Clayton to be a feature in the landscape.

The National Trust took over care of the land in the 1940s.

The tree found fame when it featured in the film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves in 1991 and was also awarded the English Tree of the Year Award by the Woodland Trust in 2016.

The sycamore tree was approximately 15 metres tall with a trunk diameter of approximately 90cm.

When will the tree be moved?

Work to prepare the felled tree and site for removal will take place during the afternoon of Wednesday 11 October, before the majority of the work takes place on Thursday 12 October. The trunk will be lifted by crane onto a vehicle on Thursday before it’s then safely transported to a National Trust property to be stored.

Why is this happening now?

The tree is currently in a precarious position resting on the Scheduled Monument, so it’s necessary National Trust move it now, both to preserve the world-famous monument that is Hadrian’s Wall, and to make the site safe again for visitors. The National Trust has 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, the National Trust have aimed to keep the trunk in as large sections as possible, to give them flexibility on what the tree becomes in future.

How will the tree be stored?

The tree is currently in a precarious position resting on the Scheduled Monument, so it’s necessary National Trust move it now, both to preserve the world-famous monument that is Hadrian’s Wall, and to make the site safe again for visitors. The National Trust has 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, the National Trust have aimed to keep the trunk in as large sections as possible, to give them flexibility on what the tree becomes in future.

How will the tree be stored?

The trunk and branches are being moved to a National Trust property and will be stored in a secure location. Sadly, the tree won’t be visible to the public, however the National Trust will be sharing updates with people about the future of the tree and the site.

Why can’t the tree be left in situ as deadwood?

The National Trust recognises the importance of deadwood habitats for wildlife, and where it is feasible and appropriate, will often leave trees and branches to decompose naturally.

In this instance, the tree fell across a protected monument. To preserve the world-famous structure, and the archaeology in the area, the National Trust has decided to move the tree to a safe location while they decide the best way forward. It is also unsafe in its current position.

Why can’t the tree be left whole?

The National Trust has explored many options 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, they have aimed to keep the trunk in as large sections as possible, to give them flexibility on what the tree becomes in future.

Why can’t it be lifted by helicopter?

The National Trust has explored every option for moving the tree but factors including safety, the weight distribution and the proximity to Hadrian’s Wall meant this was not a viable option.

When did you discover the tree had been felled?

Northumberland National Park Authority discovered the tree on the morning of 28 September.

Questions on regrowth/ stump

Further information

Will it regrow?

While it is too soon to say for certain, in theory, regrowth from the original tree stump should be possible.  It will however likely grow as multiple stems, rather than a single stem tree.  Unfortunately, this won’t have the same dramatic effect in the landscape as the original.

What are your teams doing to collect seed?

National Trust rangers and horticultural specialists have collected seed and cuttings from the tree, using special permission from DEFRA. The material is with the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre team of specialist propagators while the charity decides the best way forward.

Questions about Hadrian's Wall damage

Further information

Was there any damage to the wall?

A preliminary inspection by Historic England has revealed that Hadrian’s Wall sustained damage during the felling of the tree. A full investigation is still to take place.

When will when you decide what happens next?

National Trust have already begun discussions with stakeholders; however the complex and sensitive nature of the site means this isn’t a straightforward decision. National Trust ask people to bear with them while they consider the options and look at ways that people can get involved. National Trust welcome suggestions and ideas from the public and have already received over 200 offers of help and support. They will be working with partners including Northumberland National Park Authority and with members of the local community to decide the best way forward.

People can email sycamoregap@nationaltrust.org.uk with their ideas.

How many offers of help have you received?

The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve seen from near and far. It is clear this tree was special to many, many people. There has been over 200 offers of help, and still rising, and thousands of messages of support, with many sharing their memories and good wishes with us.

In the immediate term, our priority has been to ensure the safety of the site, and the tree, and to support staff and the local community coming to terms with the news. The National Trust are beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and will be working with Northumberland National Park Authority and local people to decide the best way forward. We will share updates as soon as we know.

People can email sycamoregap@nationaltrust.org.uk with their ideas.

What are the NT and NNP particular responsibilities with regard to the site?

The National Trust owns Sycamore Gap and the land around it. The site falls within Northumberland National Park, which is over 400 square miles in size and stretches from Hadrian’s Wall in the south to the Cheviot Hills in the north.

The National Trust works closely with Northumberland National Park Authority. Both organisations have a team of rangers that care for the land, including welcoming visitors and managing access, maintaining and repairing footpaths, caring for the world-famous archaeology, and managing the landscape and wildlife habitats.