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Sycamore Gap
Sycamore Gap is a dramatic dip in Hadrian’s Wall, near Milecastle 39, on land owned by the National Trust and within the Northumberland National Park. The iconic sycamore tree which stood in the gap, was said to be over 300 years old, was one of the most photographed trees in the country and was the English Tree of the Year in the Woodland Trust’s awards in 2016. It also became known as the "Robin Hood Tree" after it featured in a key scene of the 1991 Kevin Costner film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves". On the 28th of September 2023, the tree was felled in an act of vandalism.
The National Trust's 'Trees of Hope’ initiative, grew 49 saplings from the tree (one to represent each foot in the height of the tree), were gifted to communities around the country.
In July 2025, the two men responsible for felling the Sycamore Gap tree were sentenced to four years and three months in prison. Daniel Graham (39) and Adam Carruthers (32) were found guilty of criminal damage and also received a six-month concurrent sentence for damage to Hadrian's Wall.
