300-year-old “Robin Hood Tree” stolen

A 300-year-old sycamore tree that appeared in the blockbuster Robin Hood in Northumberland has been stolen by a teenager, causing public outrage.

British police announced on September 29 that they had arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of “wilful vandalism” after he chopped down the famous Sycamore Gap sycamore tree in Northumberland National Park the night before.

The Sycamore Gap tree, about 300 years old, is known to millions as the “Robin Hood Tree” after appearing in the 1991 blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of the Green Forest. The tree is located next to Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans about 1,900 years ago, and is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

It is not yet clear why the teenager cut down the “Robin Hood Tree”. British authorities have not released the identity of the person.

"This is a world-famous landmark. The vandalism has shocked and angered the local community. It is an incredibly sad day," Northumbria Police said.

300-year-old Robin Hood tree stolen

The Sycamore Gap tree felled and fell on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England, September 29. Photo: Reuters

The National Trust, which co-manages the site, also expressed shock and sadness at the theft.

In 2016, Sycamore Gap was one of the most photographed trees in the UK and was voted Tree of the Year in the UK.

“Sycamore Gap has been an important, iconic feature of the landscape for hundreds of years and is of great significance to the local community and to anyone who has visited the site,” said Andrew Poad, the National Trust’s north-east regional director. “I cannot understand the suspect’s motive for cutting down the tree.”

300-year-old Robin Hood tree stolen

The remains of the Syncamore Gap tree seen from above. Photo: Reuters

Tony Gates, director of Northumberland National Park, said staff at the site were in tears when they arrived in the morning and discovered the tree had been felled. The park has since issued a warning to visitors to stay away until the police have completed their investigation.

Michael West, a retired teacher who lives near Sycamore Gap, expressed regret but also wanted to look to the positive in the aftermath of the vandalism. "There are a lot of skilled people in this area, tree artisans. When a tree falls, the Japanese stick it back in the ground. Maybe the British can do it too," he said.

The National Trust will collect seeds and take cuttings from the tree. “The sycamore is a fig tree so the stump can continue to grow, but of course it will not be the same,” said Mr Poad.

300-year-old Robin Hood tree stolen