History of Sycamore Gap tree in Timeline

The Sycamore Gap tree, also known as the Robin Hood tree, was a 150-year-old sycamore located next to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England. Famous for its picturesque setting in a dramatic dip formed by glacial meltwater, it was a highly photographed landmark and a symbol of the North East of England. Its alternative name came from its appearance in the 1991 film *Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves*. The tree received the 2016 England Tree of the Year award. In 2023, the tree was illegally felled, however, it has since sprouted from the stump.

1991: Appearance in Robin Hood and Bryan Adams Music Video

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

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1991: Film Appearance in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

In 1991, the Sycamore Gap tree gained prominence after being featured in the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', leading to its alternative name, Robin Hood tree.

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May 2003: Helicopter Crash Near the Tree

In May 2003, a helicopter filming 'British Isles – A Natural History' crashed about 30 meters from the Sycamore Gap tree, lightly injuring the four people on board.

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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 to survey its health and protect its roots.

2017: European Tree of the Year Contest

In 2017, the Sycamore Gap Tree came 5th in the European Tree of the Year contest, polling 7,123 votes.

September 2023: Potential for Regrowth and Seed Collection

In September 2023, a National Trust manager noted that the stump of the felled Sycamore Gap tree appeared healthy, suggesting potential for regrowth, and seeds were collected to propagate new saplings.

September 2023: Felling and Police Investigation

In September 2023, the Sycamore Gap tree was felled in the early morning, described by Northumbria Police as an act of vandalism. Two men were later arrested.

September 2023: Deliberate Felling of the Tree

In September 2023, the Sycamore Gap tree was felled in the early morning, with authorities suspecting a deliberate act of vandalism, possibly done by someone with considerable skill using a chainsaw.

October 2023: Arrests Made in Connection to Felling

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

2023: Illegally Felled

In 2023, the Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled, though it has since sprouted from the stump.

March 2024: First Seedlings Sprout

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

April 2024: Charges Against Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers

In April 2024, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were charged with criminal damage to the Sycamore Gap tree and Hadrian's Wall after initial arrests of other individuals.

April 2024: Criminal Damage Charges Filed

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

May 2024: Court Appearance and Not Guilty Pleas

In May 2024, the two men accused of damaging the Sycamore Gap tree appeared at Newcastle Crown Court; one pleaded not guilty and the other initially entered no plea.

June 2024: Second Man Enters Not Guilty Pleas

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

August 2024: New Shoots Appear at Stump Base

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

2024: Art Exhibition Commissioned

In 2024, an art exhibition was commissioned using part of the Sycamore Gap tree's trunk, with the initial stage at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre.

April 2025: Trial Begins at Newcastle Crown Court

In April 2025, the trial for the two men charged with criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian's Wall began at Newcastle Crown Court.

April 2025: Trial Begins with Video Evidence

In April 2025, the trial of the two men accused of felling the Sycamore Gap tree began, featuring video evidence purportedly showing one of the defendants felling the tree with a chainsaw.