Trial Begins for Two Men Charged with Cutting Down Historic Sycamore Gap Tree

Two men have pleaded not guilty at the start of their trial over the illegal destruction of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree, a treasured landmark in the UK that has sparked global outrage.

The courtroom in Newcastle Crown Court, where the proceedings opened Tuesday, has become the center of attention as Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, stand trial for the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree—a natural icon located alongside Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Charged with criminal destruction, the men, both residents of Cumbria, entered not guilty pleas for their roles in the tree’s illegal demise, which occurred in September 2023.

The trial was originally scheduled for December but was postponed when Graham fell ill. Judge Alison Sweeney emphasized the necessity for a joint trial to address the strong public interest surrounding the case. As the community grapples with the loss of the historic tree, Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney, spearheading the investigation, urged the public to refrain from online speculations that could interfere with the legal proceedings.

The Sycamore Gap tree, which was nearly 200 years old, held a significant role in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. It served as a backdrop for wedding proposals and memorials, and it made its mark in the film industry appearing in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Its cutting left many in mourning and sparked discussion on the impact of such environmental vandalism.

In a hopeful twist, recent sightings of new sprouts at the site suggest the possibility of rejuvenation. With efforts from the National Trust, scientists collected genetic samples, leading to the cultivation of seedlings. The organization plans to distribute 49 saplings in the coming year—a tribute to the tree’s height of 49 feet at the time it was felled. Andrew Poad, the general manager of Hadrian’s Wall, noted that this initiative aims to perpetuate the legacy of the beloved landmark.

As this story unfolds, further updates will be provided as the trial progresses.