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The tree has been known by both the names Sycamore Gap tree and Robin Hood tree – after the film.
Robin Hood Tree a ‘world-renowned landmark’
The Sycamore Gap tree was believed to be hundreds of years old. Source: Getty / Owen Humphreys/PA/Alamy
Photographs from the scene on early Thursday showed that the tree was cut down near the base of its trunk, with the rest of it lying on its side.
“The tree is a world-renowned landmark and the vandalism has caused understandable shock and anger throughout the local community and beyond,” police said in a statement.
The iconic tree was believed to be hundreds of years old. Source: AAP / John Fatkin/Cover Images
Public asked not to visit felled tree
The Northumberland National Park authority asked the public not to visit the felled tree, which was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016.
Renewed interest in the tree and its surrounding site was sparked after it was used as a location in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Source: Getty / Heritage Images
Alison Hawkins, who was walking on the Hadrian’s Wall path, was one of the first people who saw the damage early Thursday.
“It was a proper shock. It’s basically the iconic picture that everyone wants to see,” she said. “You can forgive nature doing it but you can’t forgive that.”
