The trial of two men accused of cutting down the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall is due to begin on Monday at Newcastle Crown Court.
Daniel Graham, 39, of Milbeck Stables, Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 32, of Church Street, Wigton, Cumbria, are jointly charged with causing £622,191 worth of criminal damage to the iconic tree, as well as £1,144 of damage to the historic Hadrian’s Wall itself. Both men, who are associated with the National Trust, will face a jury trial presided over by Mrs Justice Lambert.
The Sycamore Gap tree, located in Northumberland National Park, was regarded as one of Britain’s most photographed and beloved natural landmarks. Its distinctive shape and dramatic position in a dip along Hadrian’s Wall earned it worldwide fame, featuring in films such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and countless tourism campaigns. Its sudden destruction in the early hours of 28 September 2023 shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.
The felled tree struck a section of Hadrian’s Wall, itself a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, causing additional structural damage. Conservationists, historians, and the local community were united in their sadness and anger over the act, which has been described as “an attack on the nation’s heritage”.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the charges against Graham and Carruthers following an extensive investigation led by Northumbria Police. CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements were gathered in the months following the felling. The case has drawn significant public interest, not only because of the tree’s iconic status but also due to concerns over the damage caused to Hadrian’s Wall, which dates back to Roman Britain.
The loss of the Sycamore Gap tree has had a profound impact on the local community and visitors from around the world. Many left flowers, poems, and messages of grief at the site in the weeks after the incident. The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority announced a plan to work together on preserving the tree’s legacy, including exploring possibilities for using the salvaged wood to create a lasting tribute.
Ahead of the trial, a spokesperson for the National Trust said:
“The Sycamore Gap tree held a special place in the hearts of many people across the UK and beyond. Its loss is deeply felt. We are working closely with partners to protect the site and to ensure that Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding landscape are properly cared for.”
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The Sycamore Gap tree, often referred to simply as “the Robin Hood tree” due to its film appearance, was thought to be over 200 years old. Its solitary, picturesque position against the backdrop of sweeping hills made it an enduring symbol of the British countryside.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges of criminal damage and are expected to contest the allegations in court. The trial is anticipated to last several days, with expert witnesses, conservationists, and members of the public likely to give evidence. Mrs Justice Lambert has instructed the jury to consider all the evidence carefully, given the high level of public emotion surrounding the case.
If found guilty, Graham and Carruthers could face significant penalties, including custodial sentences, given the scale of the damage and the cultural importance of the site.
As the trial unfolds, the eyes of heritage lovers across the country will be watching closely, seeking not just justice for the Sycamore Gap tree, but also reassurance that Britain’s treasured landmarks will be protected for generations to come.
