Three years after the illegal felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, its stump has shown 'encouraging' signs of recovery, with a thick ring of new shoots emerging, according to the National Trust. The iconic tree, located on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was felled on September 28, 2023, by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, who traveled from Cumbria during a storm to cut it down. The pair, aged 39 and 32 at the time of their conviction, were jailed for four years and three months in July 2025 for criminal damage to the Victorian-planted tree and the Roman wall. Their actions sparked widespread condemnation, with prosecutors describing their act as a 'moronic mission.'
The National Trust, which owns the site, fenced off the stump to monitor its recovery. Andrew Poad, the trust's general manager, expressed optimism, stating that the new growth demonstrates the effectiveness of conservation measures, including reduced soil compaction and limited human interference. 'These flourishing shoots are really encouraging,' Poad said, emphasizing the trust's gratitude for public support. The organization also preserved seedlings from the tree in a secret center, later distributing them to community groups and charities. Art projects were launched to highlight environmental stewardship and denounce the illegal felling.
The Sycamore Gap tree, planted in the late 1800s, was a beloved landmark at the former Roman frontier, renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. It gained global recognition after appearing in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, and became a popular destination for photographers and artists. Its destruction drew international outrage, with Graham and Carruthers facing backlash for their actions. The pair, who filmed themselves cutting down the tree and took a wedge of the trunk as a trophy, never provided a clear motive during their trial, instead blaming each other.
The National Trust continues to monitor the stump's development, with plans to manage the tree based on its progress. The incident has underscored the fragility of historical and natural landmarks, prompting renewed discussions about their protection. Meanwhile, the legacy of the Sycamore Gap tree lives on through the saplings distributed nationwide and the ongoing efforts to preserve its cultural and ecological significance.