Tree Weaver

Woodland experts have objected to Stella McCartney’s plans to build a £5million modern mansion on a remote Highland plot, saying it would have an ‘adverse effect’ on existing trees.

McCartney, 52, and her husband, Alasdhair Willis, sparked criticism over the proposals for a secluded hideaway at Commando Rock in Glenuig, in the Scottish Highlands.

The site was used for commando training during the second world war, and was also an inspiration for the Victorian artist Jemima Blackburn who regularly painted the local flora and fauna. It was her art that inspired the illustrations of Beatrix Potter.

Dozens of objections have been lodged with Highland Council over the application in the name of the fashion designer’s husband.

Scotland is a haven for coastal otters and an estimated 8,000 of the adorable animals to be found frolicking in its waterways.

“The presence of otters, pine martens and, some neighbours say, wild cats in the area, is just one of the many things that makes it special,” remarked Ranald Macpherson of Glenuig.

“Spotting one of these little animals is one of the reasons I come summer after summer,” said Lady Marie-Sophie Law de Lauriston of Fulham.

Mrs Karen White said that Willis’ application was out of keeping with the area, and would require ‘the removal of mature pine trees’ and would disturb the habitat of otters and that what is proposed would have ‘a needless impact on the sensitive ecology and landscape’.

In her letters to Highland Council Mrs White says she was writing as the previous owner of the site, detailing that when she had obtained planning permission in the past, it was ‘carefully considered’ with ‘minimal impact on flora and fauna’. It has ancient oak woodland as well as significant landscape trees.

She had obtained planning permission for a permanent family home in 1999, which was ‘extremely sensitive given the nature of the site and great care was taken to make the house unobtrusive and appropriate for the stunning environment and setting’.

‘This is not the case with the current proposal. The building footprint has been moved further forward towards the sea. The footprint has been enlarged significantly by adding two new wings, one of which impinges on the ancient oak woodland and the other encroaches on the cliff edge and hence requires the removal of mature pine trees.

The beauty spot, around 30 miles west of Fort William, is on the Moidart peninsula.

The justification given by the architect for shifting the site make no sense but mean there is a far greater impact on the flora and fauna. There is no need on such a large site to impact so significantly on this precious flora and fauna.

‘Secondly in siting the 1999 building the planner at the time, (Ken Johnston) and I spent significant time on site finding the optimum placement where it would not be obtrusive in the landscape.

‘By siting the building as close to Commando Rock as possible we ensured that it can not be seen from Roshven Bay or from the A861 between Glenuig and Roshven.

‘The suggestion by the architect that the current building would be visible on the skyline is very surprising as it is carefully nestled among a number of ridgelines.

‘By moving the entire set of buildings forward into the open they will become much more apparent.

‘The fact that the pine trees can be clearly seen from the A861 means that their removal will have a significant effect on the local landscape and probably means that the proposed bedroom wing will be visible from the A861 too. This seems unnecessary.

Thirdly when he bought the property in 1855, Professor Blackburn embarked on an ambitious programme of landscaping and tree planting and the pines were part of this.

‘By removing the Pines planted by Professor Blackburn the development would have an impact on the remaining cultural history of Roshven and the sense of place.

‘Fourthly the otters. Otters do not appear on demand. Just because the architect visited and did not encounter otters or a set does not mean that they are not there! On numerous occasions over the last 50 years I have seen single otters, pairs of otters and families on the rocks and there is no doubt that they would be disturbed should this building be allowed to proceed.

One resident, who did not want to be named said: ‘It’s believed in the area that the build will cost around £5million. Stella McCartney, who makes a big thing about being green, plans to build a house that’s steel and concrete.

Everybody in the area was expecting something eco, maybe with a turf roof, for example, so everyone was quite surprised that’s not what has been proposed.’

Jonathan Seccombe, from Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, said it was an “insult” and his wife, Petronella, described it as an “eyesore”.“It would set a bad precedent, that anyone with enough money could buy up unspoilt and extremely beautiful land, then build enormous dwellings that would likely remain unused for most of the year.”

Mrs Seccombe added: “The bay is totally unspoiled at present and the presence of this modern, unattractive, property will be a blot on the landscape, not to mention that mature trees will be removed, big glass windows installed which will cause light pollution and importantly local wildlife.

The site was described as “wilderness” by neighbour Dougal Mather, who said it was “a genuine survivor vicinity untouched by the hand of man”, and “irreplaceable once gone or altered”.

Iona Murray, of Perth, wrote: “This building must not be erected as it shows a complete disregard for the natural and historic heritage of this secluded bay.

“The plan shows a disregard for the unique ecology of this rare environment in Scotland.”

Highland Council’s forestry team had highlighted concerns over the project’s impact on trees and mature woodland.

They issued a report last year objecting on the grounds Corsican pine trees could be felled and works for a water supply would have an ‘adverse effect’ on existing trees.

A further dossier from a forestry officer has now confirmed the objection and suggested the plans be revised.

It said: ‘The six pine trees are recorded as category ‘B’ and we would usually expect applicants to endeavour to retain all category ‘A’ and ‘B’ trees where space allows.

‘The proposed removal of these trees would, as previously stated have implications for the stability of the remaining trees which will lose mutual protection and be newly exposed to winds.

‘The introduction of residential development between these trees would not be prudent.’

It concluded: ‘I therefore must maintain my objection to the application.

‘The applicant would be best to revise the layout design to completely avoid the pine trees and their Root Protection Areas and crown spread with the development footprint and reroute the water supply to avoid woodland.’

Aberdeenshire-based Architects Brown and Brown said the plan was to create an ‘unashamedly contemporary’ but complementary addition to the Lochailort area.

Brown and Brown have written to Highland Council labelling some of the comments over the size of the planned property and loss of an otter holt as inaccurate. They also said they are looking at re-introducing of a number of native Scots pine trees following complaints some could be at risk.

They said: ‘We are aware of comments from the public regarding the loss of the group of ‘Scots Pine’ present on the site, and also those of the council tree officer, who suggest the group may in fact be ‘Corsican Pine’.

‘Following receipt of this comment we have sought further arboricultural advice, which also seems to suggest this grouping of trees are of non-native Corsican Pine.

‘We are awaiting updated and additional arboricultural reports relating to these trees, which we will in turn submit to you for consideration.

‘In addition, our client is also looking at the feasibility of the re-introduction of a number of native Scots pine contingent on the ground and nutrient conditions supporting such long term planting.

‘They added: ‘It has been raised by public comment that the proposed location of the building interferes with the location of an otter holt.

‘Having visiting the site, and walked over all applicable areas of the site, we can find no evidence of any such holt, and have not been made aware of any evidence to the contrary.’

Highland Council are expected to make a decision in due course.

McCartney has strong links to Scotland, having spent much of her childhood with her parents at the farmhouse on the Mull of Kintyre which inspired Sir Paul’s famous 1977 song.

She also chose to marry Mr Willis in a star-studded ceremony in 2003 at Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute. Guests included Madonna, with her then husband Guy Richie, plus Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.

Reference ~ The Daily Mail, October 2023, November 2023, January 2024.

The Telegraph, November 2023.

The Guardian Series, October 2023.

The Standard, October 2023.

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In Celtic tradition winter is ruled over by the Holly King, and the Oak King, or Green Man, rules over the summer. In medieval times the Holly King was represented by a boy who walked around the town accompanied by his bride Ivy Girl, teasing and laughing and taunting each other in kind of ritualised courtship. These are the last remaining strands of a tradition going back millennia to where they were once a god and goddess, remembered in the old carol, The Holly and The Ivy’ where ‘the holly wears the crown’.
The Oak and Holly King are two aspects of our ancient god of the sun. Rising and falling he is forever reborn at the winter Solstice, this is an ancient and recurring motif across the world and seen in other sun gods like the Roman Mithras. In Britain, the sun god was known by many names, and can be found in King Arthurs as well as the old Celtic myths about the Mabon, or the “son”. Hounourded by the druids at the winter solstice, who reap his sacred seed the mistletoe with golden sickle, he brings life back to the land.
At the darkest time, try closing your eyes, and look within. In the distance is a tiny pearl of flame. This is the sun within you. As you breathe, the solstice sun grows in power, reaching out its rays, it touches your heart, bringing life, and renewal. May its blessings fill you with light.

A two-decade-long investigation has commenced to evaluate the potential of a vast newly planted woodland in the Yorkshire Dales to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change. The Woodland Trust is in the process of planting hundreds of thousands of trees at Snaizeholme, near Hawes, aiming to establish one of England’s largest native woodlands.

The trust wants to raise £8 million for a decades-long programme that will see a restored forest providing habitat for threatened species such as woodland birds and black grouse.

The Yorkshire Dales spot was once home to a 1,386 acre forest, but is now barren. It was identified as the wettest location in Yorkshire, the site is the focus of the study, which experts anticipate will enhance our comprehension of the flood-mitigating benefits associated with trees. Conducted by researchers from the University of York and the University of Leeds, the study employs specialiased equipment to observe the site and assess extreme weather events, the BBC reports.

The research aims to expand our knowledge of how trees can play a role in reducing the risk of flooding, sequestering and storing carbon, and offering essential habitats for the recovery of nature in the uplands of the United Kingdom, as stated by the researchers. The aim of the trust is to plant 291 hectares with saplings to create one of the largest native woodlands in England.

The first stage of the mammoth project is to be funded by the White Rose Forest through its Trees for Climate funding programme.

Dr John Crawford, conservation evidence officer for the Woodland Trust, said: “We know mature woodlands deliver a range of important benefits. They provide a home for nature, lock away carbon to fight climate change and slow the flow of water helping to reduce downstream flooding.

By slowing the flow of water on the hillsides, trees can also improve the wetland environment, giving space for otters and kingfishers to thrive, while reducing the risk of flooding for residents nearby.

There is also a plan to plant trees next to an existing ancient woodland where red squirrels live, expanding their home, while dry stone walls currently in place will be maintained to offer shelter for small mammals and lizards, the trust said.

Planted trees will be mostly native broadleaved species such as alder, silver birch, downy birch, willow, aspen, rowan, hawthorn and blackthorn, with montane species on the higher slopes.

Dr Rob Mills, from the University of York, said: “Opportunities to create and restore habitats at this scale are rare in England. Snaizeholme provides a unique opportunity to understand how carefully restoring a rich mosaic of habitats provides a range of benefits for people, nature and climate.”

Richmondshire Today reported that Al Nash, who is spearheading the project for the Woodland Trust, said that when the first of 100,000 trees are planted in phase one, it will be a significant moment for the Woodland Trust. Mr Nash said: “I love the Dales but the one thing it lacks in many areas is an abundance of trees.

“Here we will be giving nature and biodiversity a big boost and creating a vibrant mosaic of habitats and a rare opportunity to create a sizeable wildlife haven for the north of England.

Prof Dominick Spracklen, from the University of Leeds, said: “We have used a computer model to calculate that restoring the valley would reduce downstream flooding during a 1-in-50-year storm event by nearly 10%. It could be the difference between a house or a community being flooded, or not.”

Key aims of the Woodland Trust at Snaizeholme
* It will become a flagship woodland creation project for the White Rose Forest, the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire, and the Northern Forest, a partnership between the Woodland Trust and some of the Community Forests in the north of England.
* The project as a whole will deliver against the YDNPA ‘Dales Woodland Strategy’ This new strategy sets an ambition to enhance the landscape by creating 6,000 ha of woodland habitat in the Yorkshire Dales National Park by 2030. That would take the area of the National Park covered by woodland from 4.3% to 7%.
* There are over 250 acres of upland peatbog, crucial carbon sinks – the Trust will look to restore them working with the Yorkshire Peat Partnership.
* With a staggering 21 (42km!) streams running down into Snaizeholme Beck, there is a huge amount of work needed to slow the headlong rush of flood water during heavy rains that contributes to flooding in urban areas downstream.
* Long term research collaboration with the University of Leeds and the University of York – including monitoring the development of woodland and water quality on site.
* Have a site free of all plastic tree protection. The Woodland Trust vowed to cease the use of any new plastic tree protection at its sites by the end of 2021.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/04/17/100000-native-trees-for-yorkshire-woodlands/

https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/press-centre/2023/04/snaizeholme-yorkshire-dales-native-woodland-nature-boost/

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Albert Camus
photo: ikdz – istanbul

Although this is a beautiful photo and verse that is trending – Camus is not extolling the beauty of autumn, but rather portraying it as false and deceptive replacement for a poverty-stricken and bleak spring, tricking one into thinking that all is in bloom, when in actuality everything is dying. This quote or at least its original French incarnation is from Act 2 of his 1944 play The Misunderstanding (Le Malentendu).

‘Majestic’ oak tree that Charles Darwin may have climbed as a boy will be FELLED to make way for the Shrewsbury bypass – as campaigners say it’s a ‘dark day for the environment’

• The 550-year old oak is believed to have been visited by a young Charles Darwin
• Despite opposition, a six to five vote decided that the tree would be felled 

Over 200 years ago, when a young Charles Darwin may have played in its branches, this majestic oak tree was already 300 years old.

Now 550 years old, Darwin’s Oak and eight other ancient trees will be felled to make way for the £80 million ($97.3m) Shrewsbury North West Relief Road (NWRR).

Despite months of opposition, it only took a narrow vote on the Shropshire planning committee to condemn the trees to destruction.

Advocates for the road say it will connect the North and West of the town, reducing congestion and boosting the economy.

However, campaigners and local opposition groups say the move risks devastating an important piece of green space.

The tree, now known as Darwin’s Oak, stands in a ‘green wedge’ of undeveloped land which extends into the town centre.

Not far from Darwin’s childhood home, it is believed that Darwin may have visited the tree during his frequent walks in the Shrewsbury countryside.

With a girth of 23ft (seven metres), the enormous tree would certainly have been almost impossible for the young naturalist to miss.

However, opposition groups say the newly approved NWRR will bisect this green wedge and threaten a number of important ecological sites.

In addition to destroying 2.5 miles (four kilometres) of hedgerows, the road will also be built feet from four local wildlife sites.

The road will pass by an ancient woodland site, Hencott Pool, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the extremely important Ramsar Wetland.

The Woodland Trust, a forestry conservation group, says that the decision goes against national planning laws that protect ancient trees.

Jack Taylor, lead campaigner for the Woodland Trust, said: ‘Just weeks after the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was lost, we are now faced with the loss of another iconic tree.’

The approval of the road is a ‘dark day for the environment and our natural heritage as it threatens the loss of this living legend, numerous other irreplaceable veteran trees, and will damage nearby ancient woodland,’

Dan Morris, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member of highways, said: ‘I absolutely accept that the NWRR divides opinions, but I’m confident that it will make a huge difference to people, not only within the town, but also in the surrounding villages.’

The council has proposed to plant 345,000 new trees, one for each Shropshire resident, and says that the bypass will have a positive effect on the environment.

In a statement, Shropshire Council said the road will improve air quality by reducing traffic in the town centre and by creating a new network of cycling routes.

However, air quality consultant Mark Broomfield has previously warned that the council has not properly considered the impacts of the road on Hencott Pool which is protected under UK law.

This could lead to a legal challenge being brought against the council and the decision being overturned if it could be shown that the council had not sufficiently assessed the air pollution impact.

Fresh opposition to the decision has already begun to organise, with a petition to overturn the approval gaining almost 5,000 signatures in three days.

Rob McBride, a tree campaigner who launched the petition, told The Guardian: ‘It all ties in with Darwin’s theory of evolution, there’s too many dinosaurs on that committee.

‘It’s a majestic, impressive tree. You can see it straight across the meadow as you come near the River Severn.

‘It’s just a brilliant landmark tree that many people, many residents use … to find solace and to connect with nature.’

The Ancient Tree Forum has strongly objected to the road scheme.
‘on the grounds that it will result in an unacceptable loss of and or deterioration to an ancient tree T58, (the Darwin Oak) at least seven other veteran trees, and many mature and notable trees…. contrary to government policy NPPF para 175c…. Planting even many thousands of young trees is not an adequate substitute.

The news comes shortly after the famous Hadrian’s Wall Gap tree was felled between September 27 and 28. The 300-year-old Sycamore tree was cut down overnight in what the police believe was a deliberate act of vandalism.

Throughout the major cultures of Europe people have held the oak tree in high esteem. To the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Slavs and Teutonic tribes the oak was foremost amongst venerated trees. In each case associated with the supreme god in their pantheon, oak being sacred to Zeus, Jupiter, Dagda, Perun and Thor, respectively. Each of these gods also had dominion over rain, thunder and lightning. It is no coincidence that oak trees are more prone to lightning strikes than many other trees. This is because of the tree’s high water content and the fact that they are frequently the tallest living things in the landscape.

The Druids frequently worshipped and practised their rites in oak groves. The word Druid may derive from a Celtic word meaning “knower of the oak tree”. The Gaelic word for oak is darach and remains in place names such as Glac Daraich (oak hollow/small valley) in Glen Affric.

Mistletoe, probably the Druids’ most potent and magical plant, frequently grew on oak trees. Its presence was believed to indicate the hand of God having placed it there in a lightning strike.

Ancient kings presented themselves as the personifications of these gods. They took on the responsibility not only for success in battle but also the fertility of the land, which relied on rainfall. They wore crowns of oak leaves, as a symbol of the god they represented as kings on Earth. Similarly, successful Roman commanders were presented with crowns of oak leaves during their victory parades. Oak leaves have continued as decorative icons of military prowess to the present day. Oak leaves’ connection with rainfall also survived in more recent folklore. There are a variety of similar rhymes about which tree’s leaves appeared first, such as the Irish saying:

If the oak before the ash,

Then we’ll only have a splash.

If the ash before the oak,

Then we’ll surely have a soak!

The spiritual appreciation of oak did not cease with the advent of Christianity. However, early Christian churches supplanted many oak groves. St. Columba was said to have had a fondness and respect for oak trees and to have been reluctant to fell them. Even so, his early chapel on Iona was constructed of oak from the nearby Mull oakwoods. St. Brendan was divinely inspired to use oak boards instead of traditional hides to cover his coracle. Legend says this small vessel may have carried him to the New World some thousand years before Columbus.

Oak was also favoured for its strength and durability. It was a core part of the distinctive Tudor timbered houses, and artists used its even-grained, honey-coloured beauty for carving and turning. The bark was valued by the leather tanning industry as it contains a lot of tannin. During the Industrial Revolution large amounts were sent from northwest Scotland to Glasgow for this purpose. The bark also yields a brown dye, and oak galls gave the strong black dye from which ink was made. A tonic derived from boiling the bark was used to treat harness sores on horses.

Perhaps because of the oak’s size and presence, much of its folklore concerns specific, individual oak trees. Many parishes used to contain what became known as the Gospel Oak. This was a prominent tree at which part of the Gospel was read out during the Beating of the Bounds ceremonies at Rogantide in spring. In Somerset stand the two very ancient oaks of Gog and Magog. These were named after the last male and female giants to roam Britain. The trees are reputed to be the remnants of an oak-lined processional route up to the nearby Glastonbury Tor. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is purported to be the tree where Robin Hood and his Merry Men hatched their plots. It is now a popular tourist attraction although this particular tree probably does not predate the 16th century.

In Leicestershire the Topless Oaks in Bradgate Park were said to have been pollarded as a sign of mourning. This was due to the beheading, in 1554, of Lady Jane Grey who had lived nearby. After the battle of Worcester in 1651 King Charles II hid from the Roundheads in a large oak at Boscobel. In 1660 he instigated the 29th of May as Royal Oak Day to celebrate the restoration of the monarchy.

Children would wear oak leaves (or better still, oak apples) as part of a custom which officially lasted until 1859. In fact the tradition continued well into the twentieth century. Once again the symbol of oak leaves had royal connections. And so it won’t be a surprise which plant was the clan badge of the Royal Clan Stewart.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/science/2023/nov/01/darwins-oak-to-be-felled-to-make-way-for-shrewsbury-bypass

https://urbantreefestival.org/news/darwin-oak-shrewsbury

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12701383/oak-tree-Charles-Darwin-felled-Shrewsbury-bypass-campaigners-environment.html

https://treesforlife.org.uk/into-the-forest/trees-plants-animals/trees/oak/oak-mythology-and-folklore/

Hunt for the Sycamore Gap vandals as 300-year-old world famous tree is cut down overnight – and theories mount that ‘professionals who knew what they were doing’ are behind it.

The Sycamore Gap, located in Northumberland along the site of Hadrian’s Wall, is one of the UK’s most photographed trees and famously featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

The iconic tree, which is believed to be 300 years old, was this morning found to have been cut down, with its upper section lying across the historic Roman barrier.

Walkers stopping to look today noticed how part of the tree appeared to have been marked with white paint, indicating someone may have felled it with a chainsaw – which led to claims it was a ‘professional who knew where they were going to cut’.

The tree is located in a dramatic dip along Hadrian’s Wall in the Northumberland National Park – and the park authority believe it was deliberately chopped down.

People have been discouraged from visiting the spot while the hunt for clues goes on and a police investigation takes place.

Alison Hawkins, who lives in Liverpool, was one of the first people on the scene this morning, posting a picture on Facebook of the felled tree with the caption: ‘An awful moment for all walking Hadrians wall the Sycamore Gap tree has gone! Not the storm an absolute * felled it!!’

Known to some as the Robin Hood Tree after its appearance in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film, Sycamore Gap is one of the most photographed trees in the country.

It stands next to Hadrian’s Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland and is believed to have been planted in the early 18th Century.

It is said to have once stood alongside others but eventually became the only one left – making it especially photogenic.

In Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, the hero – played by Costner – is seen pulling leaves from the tree as he walks under it with the warrior Azeem, who is played by Morgan Freeman.

The tree also featured in the music video for American star Bryan Adams’ hit (Everything I Do) I Do It for You, which was the soundtrack for Costner’s Robin Hood film.

In 2003, the tree escaped damage when a helicopter that was filming documentary series British Isles – A Natural History crashed less than 100 feet away.

The four onboard the aircraft were injured, but presenter Alan Titchmarsh, who was standing on the ground, narrowly escaped harm. Titchmarsh said at the time: ‘I was pretty shaken and I was worried the copter was going to explode. The crew scrambled out and ran like hell.’

An eyewitness added: ‘Alan Titchmarsh was very lucky not to be hit. ‘He was almost underneath the helicopter when it fell but jumped out of the way as it came down.

‘The aircraft landed on its side and everyone, including Alan, ran to help. Everyone was amazed the crew were not seriously hurt.’

A Northumberland National Park Authority spokesman said: ‘Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down over night. We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.

‘We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.’

They added: ‘It is not clear currently whether the tree is a victim of Storm Agnes or it is a deliberate act – though pictures indicate a clean and straight cut.’

Matt Brown, 37, of the Twice Brewed Brew Company nearby, was one of the first at the scene. Mr Brown said: ‘I was brewing when I heard a rumour that the tree at Sycamore Gap had been cut down and ran over to see what had happened.

‘It was a quite a shock to see it lying there, that tree is a real icon and to those of us who were born in this area it really means something.

‘It was certainly cut down with a chainsaw – and a big one. It looks as though it has been cut through with one stroke which means the blade must have been about two metres long. ‘It was done overnight and seems to be a thought out and planned act. But why anyone would choose to do such a thing is beyond me.

‘There can’t be anyone with such an issue against that particular tree that they walk a mile at night to go and saw it down, it’s an act of malice but can only be for malice’s sake.

‘The tree can be seen from the old military road that passes by but to access it you have to climb over barbed wire and walk through marshy ground for a mile.

‘I noticed also that the trunk had been marked at the spot where the cut was going to be made.

‘This is someone who knows how to fell trees and made sure it toppled in the right direction, but it’s hard to fathom why anyone would do this.

‘I was speaking to a Canadian lady only yesterday who had come to this spot specifically to see the Sycamore Gap tree, it is an icon and something particularly special to the brewery.

‘Our signature ale is called Sycamore Gap and the tree is our logo. It’s genuinely hard to believe that this has happened.

The Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much-loved by people from across the world.

‘Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe.’

A Northumbria Police spokesman said today: ‘A full investigation has been launched after the Sycamore Gap Tree was felled overnight in what officers believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism.

‘A range of enquiries are now ongoing, with the support of partners, as police look to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the damage and identify those involved.

The tree is a world-renowned landmark and the vandalism has caused understandable shock and anger throughout the local community and beyond.’

Superintendent Kevin Waring added: ‘This is an incredibly sad day. The tree was iconic to the North East and enjoyed by so many who live in or who have visited this region.

‘As a Force, are fully committed to finding out the full circumstances and we will consider every tactic at our disposal in this investigation.

‘Anyone found to have been responsible for this damage – which we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism – can expect to be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

‘I would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows anything that can assist our investigation to get in touch with us.’

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness also expressed her sadness, writing on X: ‘I’m devastated that the famous Sycamore is gone. I am incandescent that this looks like a deliberate act of vandalism.

‘That tree was ours. An iconic North East landmark. ⁦@northumbriapol⁩ are at the scene and I’ll be raising this personally today.’

On land owned by the National Trust, it is also known as the Robin Hood Tree because it featured in a scene in the 1991 film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner.

It appeared in the music video for Bryan Adams’ Everything I Do, I Do It for You which featured on the film’s soundtrack and topped the charts for several months.

Landscape and nature author Robert Macfarlane said: ‘I just feel sick.

‘I feel desperately sad about what it says about our wider relationship with trees and with nature in this country. And I feel very angry.’

He said: ‘Just so many memories were stored in that tree and to see that white wood that a chain saw ripped through at some point last night. I just despair really about the state of nature in this country.’

UPDATE ~ Northumbria Police confirmed this afternoon that a 16-year-old boy was arrested today for causing criminal damage.

References ~ The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Mirror 28/9/23