Sycamore Gap tree to finally be removed and ‘safely stored’

Sycamore Gap tree is resting on Hadrian’s Wall in a ‘precarious position’

The Sycamore Gap tree will finally be removed from Hadrian’s Wall this week and put into safe storage, the National Trust has said.

A crane will lift the 50-foot tree, which was felled a fortnight ago, off the delicate Roman wall on Thursday before it is removed from the area and taken to a trust site.

Early signs suggest historical wall, which stands next to where the sycamore had been, suffered “some damage”, preservation body Historic England said.

A National Trust spokesman said: “The tree is currently resting on Hadrian’s Wall in a precarious position, so it’s necessary we move it now, both to preserve the monument and to make the site safe again for visitors.

“During the past fortnight, seeds from the tree have been collected by our specialist propagators and are being looked after at our Plant Conservation Centre.

“We encourage people to stay away from the site while this complex process takes place.

“We’ve also been amazed and inspired by the offers of help and good wishes we’ve received since the news of the tree’s felling broke - it’s clear the tree at Sycamore Gap captured the imaginations of so many people who visited.”

The felled Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) (PA Wire)

Forensic scientists are searching for traces from the chainsaw’s oiler, which lubricates the chain of the saw to keep it from overheating and seizing up. According to those familiar with the case, a distinctive oil mixture might lead officers to the saw.

The hope of a breakthrough comes after police arrested a 69-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy in connection with the incident. Both have been released on bail.

The sycamore perhaps first became known around the globe after featuring in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Alan Rickman.