Two Charged for Felling Venerable Sycamore Gap Tree on Hadrian's Wall

Two men have been charged with felling the iconic 150-year-old Sycamore Gap tree, featured in the film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," and damaging the ancient Hadrian's Wall.

**Newcastle, England** - Two men have been charged with cutting down the venerable Sycamore Gap tree and damaging Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in northern England. Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, face charges of criminal damage in relation to the incident, which occurred last year.

The iconic sycamore tree, renowned for its majestic canopy arching between two hills, had become a beloved subject for landscape photographers and a popular destination along the Hadrian's Wall path. Its fame soared after being featured in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," starring Kevin Costner.

The tree's nighttime felling sent shockwaves through the community, with police describing it as a deliberate act of vandalism. Northumbria Police Superintendent Kevin Waring expressed his sadness at the incident, calling it an "incredibly sad day." One of the first hikers to witness the fallen tree, Alison Hawkins, expressed her dismay, stating that it was "the iconic picture that everyone wants to see."

Following a six-month investigation, Graham and Carruthers were arrested in October and released on bail. The charges against them stem from allegations that they caused criminal damage to the tree and the wall, built in A.D. 122 by Emperor Hadrian to protect the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney acknowledged the strong feelings surrounding the incident but urged caution against speculation or commentary that could compromise the criminal case. The National Trust, which owns the land where the tree stood, expressed its hope that new growth may sprout from the stump within three years.

The trust has removed the tree and is attempting to cultivate a third of the seeds and cuttings collected for future replanting. The damage to Hadrian's Wall remains a concern, as the National Trust continues to assess the extent of the repairs required.

Graham and Carruthers are scheduled to appear in Newcastle Magistrates' Court on May 15. The incident has highlighted the importance of preserving historic landmarks and natural wonders, sparking outrage and condemnation from the public. The upcoming trial is expected to shed light on the motives behind the destruction of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree and the charges against the accused.