UK: Two Men Found Guilty of Cutting Down Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree in 2023

Two men were found guilty today for the destruction of one of the UK’s most iconic trees, the Sycamore Gap tree, which was also a beloved landmark featured in Hollywood films. The 200-year-old sycamore tree stood majestically near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, nestled between two hills in an awe-inspiring landscape. On September 28, 2023, the tree was cut down with a chainsaw and severely damaged at its base, causing widespread grief and anger across Britain. This incident also led to damage on parts of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. In 2016, it was voted ‘Tree of the Year’ and appeared prominently in the 1991 film ‘Robin Hood’ starring Kevin Costner. Prosecutors described this act as a ‘pointless mission.’ Prosecutor Richard Wright told jurors at Newcastle Crown Court last month that the 39-year-old Daniel Graham and 32-year-old Adam Carders were responsible for this ‘reckless vandalism.’ Despite traveling from Carlisle, around 40 kilometers away, both men denied involvement. However, the jury found them guilty of damaging another person’s property. Their sentencing is scheduled for July 15.