Hairy Bikers join outpouring of grief for felled Sycamore Gap tree which became a setting for marriage proposals and childhood walks – but some social media users take the opportunity to post lighthearted memes about the beloved landmark
- 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage
The Hairy Bikers were amongst Britons today who were mourning the loss of a historic tree at the Sycamore Gap which was mysteriously felled overnight.
Over the decades the iconic view has become the backdrop for countless marriage proposals, childhood walks and a place to scattered loved ones ashes, leaving many heartbroken by the news.
Si King accused the person responsible of ‘murder(ing) a sentinel of time and a sentimental spirit of Northumberland’.
Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations at the loss of the much-loved landmark, which was made famous by Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and is located next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.
A man called Jack wrote on X: ‘The saddest part of Sycamore Gap being felled is that positive human interactions that have existed with it for years have gone to memory. Marriage proposals, generations of families walking along Hadrian’s Wall as tradition to see it, ashes scattered, star gazing etc.’
Others have tried to see the humorous side of the situation, posting lighthearted memes about the situation.
The Hairy Bikers were amongst thousands of Britons today mourning the loss of a historic tree at the Sycamore Gap that was mysteriously felled overnight
Over the decades the iconic view has become the backdrop for countless marriage proposals
Many families and their pets have treasured memories of visiting the Sycamore Gap tree
Some social media users have tried to see the humorous side of the situation, posting lighthearted memes
A 16-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage with many taking to social media to speculate how the damage could have been done.
Mr King took to X, formally known as Twitter, posting a video about the tree. He said: ‘Hello everyone, I’ve just been made aware that we’ve lost the sycamore at Sycamore Gap, somebody has felled it apparently.
‘Well I hope whoever’s done that has a conscience because you have just murdered a sentinel of time and a sentimental spirit of Northumberland and I hope you feel really good about yourself for whatever warped reason you’ve done it.
‘It’s shocking, I am beyond words.’
There has been outpouring of grief for the historic tree today, as word spread of its downfall.
Heather Sutherland wrote: ‘I am grieving all over again. I scattered my brother’s ashes here. This was our place. This was a place in which I found calm and solace, my grounding and orientation.
‘This place means everything to me. This is more than upsetting right now.’
Kay Dover told the MailOnline the Sycamore Gap was her ‘favourite place’ to take her family and their to Springer Spaniels to.
Hairy biker Si King accused the person responsible of ‘murder(ing) a sentinel of time and a sentimental spirit of Northumberland’
A couple who spent their Christmas Day at the historic landmark three years ago said the situation was ‘sad’
A couple who visited the much-loved tree took to social media to say: ‘RIP SYCAMORE GAP’
Laura Cruise (pictured), who’s a life coach, said it was ‘incredibly sad’ that somebody would destroy something so beautiful
There has been outpouring of grief for the historic tree today, as word spread of its downfall
She added: ‘It is [and] was a magical place. I’m absolutely devastated that some silly, mindless idiot has chopped it down.
‘Who knew that a tree being felled would cause so much heartache and sorrow.’
Mayor for North Tyne and Metro Jamie Driscoll added: ‘I can’t express how angry I am at the vandalism of the tree at Sycamore Gap.
‘People have had their ashes scattered there. People have proposed there. I’ve picnicked there with my wife and kids. It’s part of our collective soul. We must bring whoever did this to justice.’
The Mayor went on to add the tree is part of Northumbrian culture, adding that the act of vandalism ‘is an insult to the people of Northumberland’.
Laura Cruise, a life coach, said: ‘I think it is incredibly sad that somebody would want to destroy something so beautiful, that gave joy to so many people, for no good reason.’
Lady Eloise Sunley said: ‘This tree in Sycamore Gap is very special to me and my family and l am devastated that it’s been chopped down, as this has taken away everyones enjoyment for many years to come.
A couple who spent their honeymoon visiting the landmark four years ago said in an Instagram post that they hoped the person who did it was found
Someone has already changed the google maps location to ‘Sycamore Stump’
‘Not just ours but people who come to see it from all over the UK and world. Also the wildlife that comes with it at different seasons will have no where.
‘I hope that in time the culprit or culprits are made to pay for damages done to the National trust and people who have been to this special place have plenty of photos to cherish.’
Others have tried to combat the situation with humour and someone has already changed the google maps location to ‘Sycamore Stump’ – with some saying the edit was ‘too soon’.
Linda Carlin who described the situation as a ‘tragedy’ said: ‘I think the wood from the tree should be made into something beautiful and sited where the tree stood. Maybe a sculpture or seating so that part of the tree will always be there and can be remembered.’
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