Sycamore Gap tree – latest: Future of site to be decided as National Trust inundated with messages of support

The National Trust is meeting with its stakeholders to decide whether to try to save or replace the felled Sycamore Gap tree. The charity, which manages the land where the iconic maple once stood, said it has been ‘overwhelmed’ with messages of support and offers of help. ‘It is clear this tree was special to many, many people,’ a spokesperson told The Independent . ‘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. ‘We 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 and local people to decide the best way forward. We will inform people as soon as we know.’ Earlier, police released an arrested man, in his 60s, on bail after the Sycamore Gap tree was felled. A boy, 16, who was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday was later released on bail. Key Points Future of Sycamore Gap tree to be decided as National Trust flooded with help offers Retired lumberjack ‘arrested over felling’ insists he ‘didn’t do it’ Man in his 60s arrested following felling of Sycamore Gap tree Tree’s destruction ‘part of the broader war on nature’ Hairy Bikers say Sycamore Gap tree culprit ‘murdered spirit of Northumberland’ National Trust ‘overwhelmed’ by offers of help 16:57 , Matt Mathers The National Trust has said it has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the support shown by members of the public wanting to help fix or replace the Sycamore Gap tree. The governing body of protected sites in the UK, which manages the land where the felled tree stood, has been inundated with thousands of messages and hundreds of offers of help. Offers of help and ideas for the future of the tree have ranged from art installations and craftspeople offering their skills, to fundraising initiatives. A spokesperson for the charity told The Independent that in the ‘immediate term’ its priority is to ‘ensure safety’ at the site as it beings discussions with stakeholders about what to do with the iconic maple. ‘It is clear this tree was special to many, many people,’ the spokesperson said. ‘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. ‘We 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 and local people to decide the best way forward. We will inform people as soon as we know.’ ICYMI: 21:21 , Matt Mathers Striking a note of optimism after the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was felled, experts have suggested it could be saved. In an incident that caused widespread outrage and upset, the world-famous tree, next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland , was chopped down overnight on Wednesday. However, all hope is not lost, according to Andrew Poad of the National Trust, who pointed to the health of the ancient Sycamore Gap, which is thought to be around 300 years old, as giving reason to believe the tree could regrow. Tara Cobham reports: Recap: 19:24 , Matt Mathers Who cut it down and can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved? Those are the questions still at the forefront of the minds of tree lovers everywhere from Northumberland to Newquay some four days after the iconic maple was chopped down. Distraught celebrities and politicians were among those to express their outrage at the felling of the ‘iconic’ tree, described by police as a ‘deliberate act of vandalism’. Here’s everything we know so far as officers continue to hunt for the culprit ICYMI: Man ‘devastated’ after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap 18:00 , Matt Mathers A man who planted a sapling near the Sycamore Gap tree says he is ‘devastated’ after it was removed – and has responded to those who have criticised him on social media. Kieran Chapman, aged 27, planted the sapling next to the world-famous tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland on Friday. The old tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was illegally chopped down overnight last Wednesday. Alex Ross reports: Officers promise to bring Sycamore slayer to justice 14:20 , Lydia Patrick Officers have condemned the vandalism of an iconic Northumberland tree and vowed to bring anyone responsible to justice. A full investigation has been launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight in what officers believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism. Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the North East and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region. ‘As a Force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation. ‘Anyone found to have been responsible for this damage – which we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect to be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. ‘I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows anything that can assist our investigation to get in touch with us.’ Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: ‘I’m devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone. That tree was ours. It was an iconic North East landmark standing tall in our beautiful Northumberland. ‘I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism. I’ll be raising this personally today. ‘I know Northumbria Police are at the scene and officers will do their utmost to catch whoever is behind this. Terrible news.’ Police officers are investigating what they believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism (Getty Images) Sycamore mourners can buy £60 memorabilia 13:20 , Lydia Patrick As the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree has touched thousands of people across the UK, a spiritual clothing store as launched a clothing line to commemorate the fallen tree. Wholistic Threads are selling a variety of hoodies and t-shirts in honour of the tree which all feature the Sycamore’s silhouette and text reading ‘Sycamore Gap’ or ‘The Spirt of the Sycamore’. The designs come in a variety of sizes and colours including black, sunflower yellow and pink, and are priced between £14 and £60. Fans can now wear designs in honour of the felled Sycamore Gap tree (Wholistic Threads) Man ‘devastated’ after National Trust remove sapling he planted to replace Sycamore Gap 12:20 , Lydia Patrick A man who planted a sapling near the Sycamore Gap tree says he is ‘devastated’ after it was removed – and has responded to those who have criticised him on social media. Kieran Chapman, aged 27, planted the sapling next to the world-famous tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland on Friday. The old tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was illegally chopped down overnight last Wednesday. But on Sunday, the National Trust removed Mr Chapman’s newly-planted sapling. A spokesperson said that by adding or altering the Unesco world heritage site, it could ‘damage the archaeology’, and was unlawful. Officers vow to bring Sycamore slayer to justice 11:20 , Lydia Patrick A full investigation has been launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight in what officers believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism. The tree is a world-renowned landmark and the vandalism has caused shock and anger throughout the local community and beyond. Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the North East and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region. ‘As a Force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation. ‘Anyone found to have been responsible for this damage – which we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect to be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. ‘I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows anything that can assist our investigation to get in touch with us.’ Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, said: ‘I’m devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone. That tree was ours. It was an iconic North East landmark standing tall in our beautiful Northumberland. ‘I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism. I’ll be raising this personally today. ‘I know Northumbria Police are at the scene and officers will do their utmost to catch whoever is behind this. Terrible news.’ The scene of the Sycamore Gap felling (Getty Images) ICYMI: The Sycamore Gap Tree in pictures as nature lovers ‘shocked and saddened’ by felling 22:01 , Matt Mathers A tourist attraction, a film location and a symbol of hope – the felled Sycamore Gap tree was many things to many people. The 300 year-old natural beauty was one of the most photographed trees in the country and an iconic sight next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. However, this week it was felled prompting an outpouring of anger and sorrow, from campaigners and the public alike. Faiza Saqib reports: New petition launched to serve justice for the Sycamore Gap 10:20 , Lydia Patrick A passionate preservation activist has called for the ‘vandals’ behind the felling of the Sycamore to plant 10,000 trees in an online petition . Kim Whitehouse laments the loss of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree which stood on Hadrian’s Wall and calls for tough measures to legally reprimand the culprits. It is not yet clear who was responsible for the felling. Northumbria Police are currently investigating the incident, they arrested a man aged in his 60s on Friday on suspicion of criminal damage but he has since been released, pending further inquiries. A relative posted a picture of the retired lumberjack at home with his grandson as they denied his involvement in the felling. A boy, 16, who was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on Thursday, was later released on bail. On Sunday reports said officers seized a chainsaw near the site where the tree was cut down. Ms Whitehouse said: ‘ Therefore to ensure meaningful restitution for their crime against nature and history, I recommend that each person involved in this heinous act commit to planting 10000 trees in the local community. This commitment will help restore some balance while fostering an appreciation for nature’s resilience among those responsible.By signing this petition today, you are joining me in demanding justice for the Sycamore Gap tree and advocating for a punishment that fits the crime. Together, we can send a powerful message that our historical landmarks and natural treasures must be protected at all costs.’ The petition aims to get 1,000 signatures and has received 774 supporters so far. Forensic investigators from Northumbria Police examine the felled Sycamore Gap tree, on Hadrian’s Wall (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire) ‘Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does’, say experts 09:20 , Lydia Patrick ‘Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does,’ is the devastating verdict of experts on the iconic Sycamore Gap tree after it was felled. With police believing it to be a deliberate act of vandalism , the chainsaw-cutting down of the world-famous tree next to Hadrian’s Wall, in Northumberland , has triggered widespread outrage and sorrow. Northumbria Police launched an investigation on Thursday after the majestic Sycamore Gap tree, thought to be around 300 years old, was cut down overnight. The force arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident but has since released him on bail. A man in his sixties was arrested on Friday evening. He remains in police custody. Sycamore Gap: ‘Minutes to cut down and centuries to grow back, if it ever does’ 08:20 , Lydia Patrick Who cut it down and can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved? Those are the questions still at the forefront of the minds of tree lovers everywhere from Northumberland to Newquay some four days after the iconic maple was chopped down. Distraught celebrities and politicians were among those to express their outrage at the felling of the ‘iconic’ tree, described by police as a ‘deliberate act of vandalism’. Here’s everything we know so far as officers continue to hunt for the culprit. Watch: Nature expert calls for ‘sycamore gap forest’ to replace felled tree at Hadrian’s Wall 06:59 , Andy Gregory New shoots expected to grow from Sycamore Gap tree but it ‘won’t be same again’ 05:51 , Andy Gregory New shoots are expected to grow from the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree but it will never be the same again, experts have said. Rob Ternent, head gardener at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, said the tree will start growing again but ‘won’t ever be the same shape or as good of a tree as it was’. He told the PA news agency: ‘It’s worth a try but I think livestock and wildlife will potentially damage it as well. It’ll be very difficult to get it back to the original tree. ‘The growing season’s coming to an end now but by spring next year it will have some life in it. It’ll probably be about eight foot tall, but it’ll be lots of singular branches, more bushy. ‘It was about 300 years old so it’ll take a long time to get back to that size. It’s a massive shame.’ Katie Dickinson has the story here: New shoots expected to grow from Sycamore Gap tree but it ‘won’t be same again’ Watch: 300-year-old tree stars in 90s classic Robin Hood movie before vandalism 04:42 , Andy Gregory Why is the Sycamore Gap tree so significant? 03:36 , Matt Mathers The tree, believed to have been one of the most photographed in the country, used to sit along Hadrian’s Wall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – in rural Northumberland and was a popular hotspot for tourists, walkers and others. It is believed to have dated back to medieval times and has been excavated on two occasions – between 1908 and 1911, and again between 1982 and 1987 when Roman remains linked to Hadrian’s Wall were found. The sycamore perhaps first became known around the globe after featuring in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman. Voices | From George I to Charles III, the Sycamore Gap tree saw British history unfold 02:31 , Andy Gregory Our associate editor Sean O’Grady writes: I’m not quite sure why trees can have such a powerful hold on us, but it’s a remarkable, almost spiritual phenomenon. We sense they are living things – often venerable, always graceful, occasionally of stunning beauty. As has been rightly observed, the sycamore that stood by Hadrian’s Wall for 300 years was handsome enough to be a film star, and its performance in the 1991 version of the tale of Robin Hood was hardly wooden. Seeing it lying there, stricken, helpless, slowly dying makes one irrationally depressed – it’s only a tree, you try to tell yourself. I’d never met the tree, after all. But, like many of us, it was a sad sight. To those who had some connection with it – a marriage, a scattering of ashes, a habitual resting stop – its loss is more akin to a bereavement. Many tears have been shed. I know it’s silly and anthropomorphic in a way, but you cannot help reflecting on w