A popular tree in the UK that has been photographed countless times has been felled in what police are describing as an act of vandalism.
The Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumberland, England – also known as the Robin Hood Tree due to its size memorable role in the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” — was torn down with a chainsaw sometime Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested according to BBCwhich said he was helping with the investigation, but didn’t elaborate.
The tree, which grew along Hadrian’s Wall in a depression between hills, was estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old.
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local people said The Guardian They heard nothing due to the strong winds of a storm.
“I can’t understand why anyone would do something like this,” Northumberland police and crime commissioner Kimberly McGuinness told the newspaper. “It’s like stealing joy.”
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“We are devastated by the news that the #SycamoreGap tree in Northumberland – also known as the Robin Hood tree – has been felled,” said Woodland Trust, the country’s largest forest conservation charity. wrote on X. “This is a truly irreplaceable loss.”
The trust had the sycamore “Tree of the year” in 2016.
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“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn that the iconic Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall was felled overnight in what appears to be an act of vandalism,” the National Trust said wrote on X. “We know how beloved this iconic tree is locally, nationally and by all visitors.”
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People took to social media to express their dismay and share their memories:
