Felled Sycamore Gap tree to go on public display

The Sycamore Gap tree which was illegally felled last year is to go on public display, it has been announced.

Northumberland National Park said it had received 2,000 "heartfelt" messages from people from all around the world expressing sorrow after the tree was cut down in September.

The authority said the largest section of the felled tree would go on display at The Sill, a tourist attraction close to Sycamore Gap, in September.

It added it was still considering plans to preserve the tree's legacy.

These included leaving the stump alone in the hope it would grow, making the area a place of reflection and turning sections of the felled tree into art installations.

Tony Gates, chief executive officer of the park authority, said: “The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree has shown just how much nature and landscape mean to people and to their very well-being.

"As stewards of the legacy of Sycamore Gap, the partners have been humbled by the outpouring of love and emotion for the tree.

"We understand the diversity of opinions surrounding a future legacy and are committed to navigating this journey with the utmost care and respect.

"We are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding."

The landmark, a focal point along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was cut down in what Northumbria Police described as a "deliberate act of vandalism".

The force said in December a man in his 60s and a 16-year-old boy arrested in connection with the felling, would face no further action.

The park authority said a fence had been placed around the remaining stump so it could be left alone but still be seen.

"We are looking to see how nature responds at the site," a spokesman added.

"The original tree stump remains in situ, in the hope it will regrow in time.

"While we wait, there will not be another intervention at the site for now.

"To give the tree the best chance of regrowth, there is a need to protect the stump – without detracting from people’s experience of the site."

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