Sycamore Gap tree – latest: Hadrian’s Wall damaged as National Trust flooded with offers of help
National Trust says it is ‘beginning discussions with stakeholders about future of site’
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Hadrian’s Wall has been damaged by the vandals who chopped down the Sycamore Gap tree, investigators have discovered.
Historic England said it found “some damage” had been caused to the 1,900-year-old wall, one of Britain’s best-known Unesco world heritage sites, in a preliminary inspection.
A spokesperson for the historical preservation body told The Independent: “While we identified that Hadrian’s Wall has sustained some damage, we have not been able to access the site to carry out a full investigation so a further archaeological appraisal will take place once the site is considered safe.
It comes as The National Trust, which manages the land in Northumberland where the iconic tree once stood, said it has been “overwhelmed” with thousands of messages of support and over 150 offers of help.
The charity told The Independent its immediate priority has been ensuring the safety of the tree and it is still working on plans for the safe removal of Sycamore Gap. But the spokesperson added that The National Trust is “beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site”.
Police previously arrested a 16-year-old boy and a man, aged in his 60s, in connection with the incident. Both have since been released on bail.
Hadrian’s Wall damaged by vandals who chopped down Sycamore Gap
Hadrian’s Wall has been damaged by the vandals who chopped down the Sycamore Gap tree, investigators have discovered.
Historic England said it found “some damage” had been caused to the 1,900-year-old wall, one of Britain’s best-known Unesco world heritage sites, in a preliminary inspection.
A spokesperson for the historical preservation body told The Independent: “While we identified that Hadrian’s Wall has sustained some damage, we have not been able to access the site to carry out a full investigation so a further archaeological appraisal will take place once the site is considered safe.
More updates tomorrow
That’s it for tonight - we’ll bring more on the Sycamore Gap tree in the morning.
Tree can be saved, say experts - recap
In case you missed it: Experts say the much-loved sycamore tree could be saved:
Can the Sycamore Gap tree be saved?
Widespread outrage and upset as police believe cutting down of tree was deliberate act of vandalism
In Pictures: Solitary tree became famous worldwide
In Pictures: Solitary tree at landmark Roman ruin became famous worldwide
The site at Sycamore Gap at Hadrian’s Wall was used as a film location and was a favourite of photographers.
Tree remembered in knitted form
A postbox “topper” has been knitted to remember the sycamore tree that was axed.
The creative item has appeared on a postbox in Hexham, Northumberland.
Watch: Walker lays flower tribute at historic Sycamore Gap after tree felling
Full Historic England statement on Hadrian’s Wall damage
We visited Sycamore Gap on Friday for a preliminary inspection. Whilst we identified that Hadrian’s Wall has sustained some damage, we have not been able to access the site to carry out a full investigation so a further archaeological appraisal will take place once the site is considered safe. As the government’s heritage adviser, we are involved because Hadrian’s Wall is protected as a scheduled monument. We appreciate how strongly people feel about the loss of the tree, and its impact on this special historic landscape, and will continue to work closely with key partners as this progresses.
National Trust collect seed and cuttings from tree
The National Trust has disclosed that its rangers and horticultural specialists have collected seed and cuttings from the Sycamore Gap tree.
The charity said: "National Trust rangers and horticultural specialists have collected seed and cuttings from the tree, using special permission from DEFRA. The material is with the National Trust's Plant Conservation Centre team of specialist propagators while the charity decides the best way forward."
National Trust says yet to remove tree in latest statement
The National Trust has said it is still working on plans for the safe removal of the Sycamore Gap tree from its site in Northumberland.
In its latest update, the charity said it has been “overwhelmed” by over 150 offers of help and thousands of messages of support.
While its immediate priority has been ensuring the safety of the site and tree, the National Trust added that it is “beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site”.
The charity’s statement said: “We've been overwhelmed by the support we've seen from near and far. It is clear this tree was special to many, many people. We've received over 150 offers of help, and still rising, and thousands of messages of support, with many sharing their memories and good wishes with us.
“Offers of help and ideas for the future of the tree have ranged from craftspeople offering their skills, to fundraising initiatives. We're grateful to everyone who has been in touch.
“In the immediate term, our priority has been to ensure the safety of the site, and the tree, and to support staff and the local community coming to terms with the news. We are beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and will be working with Northumberland National Park and local people to decide the best way forward. We will share updates as soon as we know.”
National Trust to meet with stakeholders to decide future steps
The National Trust, which manages the land where the Sycamore Gap tree once stood, is meeting with its stakeholders to decide whether to try to save or replace the iconic maple.
The charity said it has been “overwhelmed” with messages of support and offers of help.
“It is clear this tree was special to many, many people,” a spokesperson told The Independent. “In the immediate term, our priority has been to ensure the safety of the site, and the tree, and to support staff and the local community coming to terms with the news.
“We are beginning discussions with stakeholders about the future of the site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and will be working with Northumberland National Park and local people to decide the best way forward. We will inform people as soon as we know.”
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