Three years ago today the world woke to the news that the Sycamore Gap tree had been felled. The destruction of the tree, which had grown for over 100 years in the dip on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, sparked outrage and sadness across the North East and beyond.
Pictures emerged in the early hours of 28 September 2023 of the destruction of the iconic landmark. Police quickly descended on the scene as an investigation was launched to establish what had happened.
For many people, it was more than just a tree. Having been photographed by people across the globe, Sycamore Gap was the spot of marriage proposals, weddings and where they gathered to scatter the ashes of loved ones.
Investigation and arrests
In the days that followed, a teen and a man were arrested in connection with the incident but faced no further action. Two weeks passed before detectives of Northumbria Police received a vital tip-off about the felling. It was stated that two named men had retained part of the tree, and so Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were charged in connection with the incident.
As the details emerged about what happened that night, jurors at Newcastle Crown Court were told that perhaps they had thought the mindless act - which was described as a "moronic mission" - might be "a bit of a laugh".
It took a combination of intelligence, damning mobile phone evidence and shocking video footage to bring the pair to justice. After arresting the suspects and searching their properties, police were able to uncover evidence including a video filmed at the time the tree was cut down, with what seemed to be the sound of a chainsaw. Although initially too dark to see what was going on, once the footage was enhanced, detectives realised the moment the iconic tree was felled had been caught on camera.
Trial and sentencing
In April 2024, the pair were charged with criminal damage of the tree and criminal damage to Hadrian's Wall. As the tree was still living, they could not be accused of destroying it, the detective explained. During their first appearance in court it was revealed that the value of the tree had been estimated to be £622,191. The jury heard the pair were on a "moronic mission" and chopped down the tree using a chainsaw.
Both men pleaded not guilty in court, but following a trial in May 2025, the pair were found guilty of the "mindless destruction" of the world famous tree. A jury which took about five hours to reach their verdicts with both men remanded into custody for their "own protection" convicted Graham, 39, of Milbeck Stables, Carlisle and Carruthers, 33, of Church Street, Wigton, of the offences.
News agencies from around the world gathered outside on the steps of Newcastle Crown Court as the verdict was given, with the pair later sentenced to four years and three months in prison.
Legacy and new life
Three years on, the exact reason why the pair decided to fell the tree remains unknown. But despite the felling, the stump where the tree once stood shows shoots of new life, with people continuing to visit the location, sharing memories of sadness and hope alike. The legacy of the tree also lives on after saplings grown from the seeds of the tree were planted at various locations in the UK.
