History of Sycamore Gap tree in Timeline

The Sycamore Gap tree, also known as the Robin Hood tree, was a 300-year-old sycamore located in Northumberland, England, beside Hadrian's Wall. It stood in a dramatic dip formed by glacial meltwater and was a highly photographed landmark, symbolizing the North East of England. It gained fame after appearing in the 1991 film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'. The tree won the 2016 England Tree of the Year award. In 2023, the tree was illegally felled, but has since begun to sprout from the remaining stump.

1991: Feature in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

In 1991, the tree featured prominently in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, contributing to its recognition and alternative name.

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1991: Robin Hood Movie and Music Video Appearance

In 1991, the tree was featured in a key scene of the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and appeared in Bryan Adams' music video for "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You".

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May 2003: Helicopter Crash Near Tree

On May 30, 2003, a helicopter filming British Isles – A Natural History crashed approximately 30 meters from the tree, narrowly avoiding presenter Alan Titchmarsh. All four people on board suffered minor injuries.

2016: England's Tree of the Year Win

In 2016, the Sycamore Gap Tree won England's Tree of the Year competition, receiving a £1,000 grant for health surveys and root protection.

2017: European Tree of the Year Contest

In 2017, the Sycamore Gap Tree participated in the European Tree of the Year contest, finishing 5th out of 16 with 7,123 votes.

September 2023: Tree Felled, Vandalism Act

In September 2023, the Sycamore Gap tree was felled in the early morning, described by Northumbria Police as "an act of vandalism", leading to public anger and sadness.

September 2023: Felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree

In September 2023, the Sycamore Gap tree was felled in the early morning, with evidence suggesting it was a deliberate act of vandalism using a chainsaw.

September 2023: Regrowth Potential and Seed Collection

On September 29, 2023, a National Trust manager noted the stump's healthy condition and the potential for regrowth. Seeds were collected for propagating new saplings.

October 2023: Arrests Made

In October 2023, two men from Cumbria, aged 38 and 31, were arrested in connection with the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree.

2023: Tree Felling

In 2023, the 300-year-old Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled, sparking outrage and investigations.

March 2024: Seedlings Sprout

On March 8, 2024, it was reported that the first seedlings had sprouted from genetic material recovered from the Sycamore Gap tree. The first seedling was presented to King Charles III, who announced it would be planted in Windsor Great Park.

April 2024: Criminal Damage Charges

In April 2024, the two men arrested were charged with criminal damage to both the Sycamore Gap tree and the adjacent Hadrian's Wall.

May 2024: Court Appearance and Pleas

On May 15, 2024, the two men charged appeared at Newcastle Crown Court. One pleaded not guilty, and the other initially entered no plea.

June 2024: Not Guilty Pleas Entered

In June 2024, the second man entered two not guilty pleas in connection to the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, and both men were released on bail.

August 2024: New Shoots Appear

In August 2024, new shoots were found to have appeared at the base of the Sycamore Gap tree stump, indicating continued regrowth.

April 2025: Trial Begins

On April 28, 2025, the trial began before Mrs Justice Lambert, where the two men faced charges for causing significant criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian's Wall.