Sycamore Gap Tree rebirth! Eight new shoots are rising from the stump
Ten months after its senseless destruction shook the nation, the Sycamore Gap Tree has begun to show the first signs of new life.
Scientists from the National Trust have confirmed that eight new shoots are growing from the stump of the felled tree.
While the shoots are only between two and four centimetres tall at the moment, each could one day become part of a canopy for a regenerated tree.
As the shoots grow, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority will continue to monitor them and extend the fencing around the area.
Northumberland National Park ranger Gary Pickles, who discovered the shoots, said: ‘I was first at the scene when the tree was discovered felled, and I remember saying hurriedly that it was gone. Now, I hope I can say that it’s back!’
Delighted scientists have revealed that the Sycamore Gap Tree has begun to grow the first new shoots (pictured) after being felled ten months ago
Scientists have confirmed that the Sycamore Gap Tree (pictured) will rise again as new growth is spotted on its stump
Mr Pickles says he first spotted the new growth while on a routine check of the areas.
He says: ‘It was serendipitous that I decided to walk up to Sycamore Gap to recce a guided walk planned for September, almost a year to the anniversary.
‘I’ve done this walk several times over the last year, but this time it was different, there was something new – the trunk was showing signs of regeneration.’
Arriving at the site where the Sycamore Gap Tree once stood, Mr Pickles spotted eight tiny new shoots – each no larger than a 50 pence piece.
The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority are hopeful that if left to grow, the new shoots could form as ‘new’ trees around the original stump.
Mr Pickles adds: ‘My job as ranger for Hadrian’s Wall Path is all about conserving the past. So, in my head I had consigned the tree to history and so I am amazed and delighted that it may have a future after all and is making a go of it.’
Eight new shoots were found growing out of the stump of the Sycamore Gap Tree, each of which could form the canopy of a regrown tree
This new growth is possible because, even though the main body of the tree was felled, the Sycamore Gap Tree actually never died.
Instead, the trunk and root section continued to live on in the soil and scientists had hoped that it might be strong enough to put out new growth when the seasons changed.
Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, said: ‘The tree was a mature, vigorous tree in its prime when it was felled so there was always the potential for the stump to regenerate and it’s fantastic to see the regrowth.’
The plan to preserve the legacy of the Sycamore Gap Tree will now require patience and careful monitoring of the young shoots.
Although the growth is a good sign, the tree remains in a fragile condition and the National Trust will take additional measures to protect the tree.
The saplings were discovered by Gary Pickles (pictured), Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail Ranger, when they were just two to four centimetres tall
Having been felled in Autumn, experts were concerned that the tree might not be in the right condition to produce more shoots or provide material for cuttings
This includes expanding the fenced-off area around the stump to avoid soil compaction around the tree’s roots.
Mr Poad also asks that people refrain from scattering the ashes of their loved ones in the area either on the stump or on the ground.
While acknowledging that the area is ‘a special location to many people’ he also stresses that ashes could ‘significantly hinder the growing process by limiting the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil.’
The National Trust’s hope is that with careful protection the shoots will naturally grow and develop until a decision can be made about their management.
Mr Poad says: ‘Our aim is to leave all eight shoots to grow for a few years – to see how they develop.
The Sycamore Gap Tree was made famous after it appeared in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Morgan Freeman (left) and Kevin Costner (right)
Through a technique called clonal propagation, horticulturalists have been able to take cuttings from the fallen tree and create clones of the original
‘In time we’ll be able to decide how to manage the tree – as a coppiced stool or considering whether to reduce to a single tree at some point in the future.’
The Sycamore Gap Tree was felled in the Autumn of last year in an act of vandalism which triggered national outcry.
Widely believed to be one of the most photographed trees in the country, its location in a dip along the remains of Hadrian’s Wall earned it a well-deserved reputation as a local beauty spot.
The tree became truly famous after appearing in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – after which it was often known as the Robin Hood Tree.
Two men have now been charged in connection with the felling of this historic tree.
The National Trust says that the shoots will be allowed to grow for several years before the organisation decides whether the tree should be allowed to grow back as a coppice or reduced to a single tree
Daniel Graham, 38 (left), and Adam Carruthers, 31 (right), appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where they have been charged with causing criminal damage to the tree and to a section of Hadrian’s Wall
Daniel Graham, 38, of Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 31, of Wigton, Cumbria, are accused of causing £622,191 of damage to the tree.
The pair also stand accused of causing £1,144 worth of damage to Hadrian’s Wall, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which was hit by the tree when it was felled overnight.
Aside from the new growths, horticulturalists have also managed to germinate the tree’s descendants.
A team of experts led by horticulturalist Chris Trimmer have grown five clones of the tree using cuttings alongside 50 seedlings gathered in the aftermath of the felling.
Aside from the new growths, horticulturalists have also managed to germinate the tree’s descendants. A team of experts led by horticulturalist Chris Trimmer (pictured) have grown five clones of the tree using cuttings alongside 50 seedlings gathered in the aftermath of the felling
The National Trust says it has plans to plant 50 seedlings (left) and five clones made by grafting cuttings taken in the aftermath of the felling (right)
Seedlings from the tree have been presented to King Charles and Dame Judi Dench but the majority will be replanted by the National Trust.
National Trust says that its teams are hopeful the saplings will be ready to plant within 12-24 months and plan to release information about planting locations in September.
Tony Gates, CEO of the Northumberland National Park, says: ‘This is such welcome news and really demonstrates the power of nature to regenerate.
‘I know this news will bring hope to many people and a smile to many faces and we will watch and wait to see how these shoots develop. I am genuinely intrigued to see what nature will give us.’
