Vandalism in the national park – Iconic “Robin Hood” tree falls victim to a vandal – Culture

It was probably the most famous tree in Great Britain: the sycamore maple in Northumberland, which played an important role in “Robin Hood” with Kevin Costner. Now it has been illegally cut down. A possible perpetrator has already been arrested.

The Sycamore Tree in the Northumberland National Park in northern England was separated with a clean cut – probably with a chainsaw. The once proud and famous tree became the victim of an illegal act. Knocked down by vandals.

Police arrested a 16-year-old suspect on Thursday, but did not provide any information about the motive.

The conservation organization National Trust, which manages the Northumberland National Park, speaks of vandalism. «We know how popular this iconic tree was locally, nationally and with all visitors. “We are working with our partners to determine what happened and what can be done,” said the organization.

Famous thanks to Kevin Costner’s “Robin Hood”

The famous tree stood in a depression – the so-called Sycamore Gap – and was a popular photo motif. The sycamore maple became known through the Hollywood film “Robin Hood – King of Thieves” (1991) with Kevin Costner. In one scene, Robin Hood defends a teenagerwho had taken refuge in the tree from his captors.

Legend:

The scene with the tree in Sycamore Gap from “Robin Hood: King of Thieves” with Kevin Costner.

Morgan Creek Productions, Inc.

After the crime, the felled trunk lay on Hadrian’s Wall, a wall built by the Romans in the second century that served as protection against attacks from the north and to control trade routes. Remains of the wall stretch through the hilly landscape near the English-Scottish border and are a popular hiking destination.

Legend:

The famous sycamore maple tree stood in the Sycamore Gap for centuries – until it was felled.

Imago Images / Joana Kruse

Local MP Guy Opperman described the tree as a symbol of North East England. It is without question a criminal act. “Even if the police catch the culprit – the tree is lost forever,” said the conservative politician.

The chairman of the North of Tyne region, Jamie Driscoll, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the tree was “part of our collective soul”: