New Shoots Surround Sycamore Gap Stump in 'Encouraging' Sign of Recovery Three Years After Illegal Felling

Three years after the illegal felling that shocked the nation, the stump of the Sycamore Gap tree is showing what conservationists describe as "encouraging" signs of life, with a thick ring of fresh shoots growing around its base.

The landmark, which stood beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland for well over a century, was cut down on 28 September 2023 by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers. The two men travelled from their homes in Cumbria during a storm to carry out the attack, an act that triggered widespread public outrage and led to their imprisonment for criminal damage to both the Victorian-planted tree and the Roman wall.

In the aftermath of the felling, the National Trust, which looks after the site alongside Northumberland National Park, made the decision to fence off the remaining stump rather than remove it entirely. The aim was to give the tree a chance to regenerate naturally, and that gamble now appears to be paying off.

Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust, said he is "filled with hope by the way nature is taking its course". His optimism stems from the visible ring of new growth that has emerged around the stump in the years since the chainsaws fell silent.

Poad attributed the recovery to a series of carefully considered interventions. He explained that the flourishing shoots demonstrate that the special measures taken by the trust — including reducing soil compaction around the roots and limiting human disturbance — are having a positive effect. These steps were designed to create the best possible conditions for the tree to rally, despite the severe damage inflicted on it.

The trust has also expressed gratitude to the many visitors who have supported its efforts. According to Poad, the public's cooperation has been instrumental in giving the tree "the best possible chance to thrive". He added that the team is monitoring the stump closely, and that rangers will manage the new growth over time depending on how it develops.

The presence of a wooden fence with wire mesh around the stump has been a key part of the strategy, keeping people at a distance and preventing further damage to the fragile root system. Images released by the National Trust show the protective enclosure standing against the backdrop of the rolling green countryside that surrounds Hadrian's Wall.

The tree itself had been planted in the late 1800s and grew into one of the most photographed natural features in northern England. Its position in a dramatic dip in the landscape along the former frontier of the Roman Empire made it a favourite subject for photographers and artists alike.

Its global fame was cemented when it appeared in a scene from the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves", starring Kevin Costner. For many, the sycamore became a symbol of the region and a beloved destination for walkers and day-trippers.

The men responsible for its destruction were jailed for four years and three months in July 2025. Graham, a groundworker from near Carlisle, and Carruthers, a mechanic from Wigton, were 39 and 32 respectively at the time of their conviction. During the trial, it emerged that the pair had filmed themselves carrying out the act and had taken a wedge of the trunk away as a trophy.

Prosecutors described the felling as a "moronic mission", and the court heard that neither man ever offered a clear explanation for their actions, instead seeking to blame each other for what happened. The case drew national attention and prompted debate about the value of natural heritage and the penalties for damaging it.

In the wake of the felling, the National Trust took steps to preserve the tree's legacy beyond the stump itself. Seedlings were cultivated at a secret trust centre, and saplings were later donated to community groups and charities across the country. Art projects were also launched to highlight the importance of nature and to condemn the illegal act.

The latest development at the site offers a measure of hope to those who mourned the loss of the tree. While the original sycamore can never be replaced, the new shoots represent a form of natural continuity — a living reminder that the roots beneath the soil survived the attack.

Conservationists caution that the recovery process remains at an early stage. The shoots will need to be monitored over years, and their long-term survival will depend on continued protection from disease, weather and human interference. The National Trust has indicated that its rangers will adapt their approach as the stump evolves.

For now, the image of the fenced-off stump surrounded by vigorous green growth stands in stark contrast to the devastation of September 2023. It is a sight that Poad and his team hope will signal the beginning of a new chapter for one of England's most recognisable natural landmarks, even if the tree that once defined the gap in the wall is gone for good.