30 Remarkable Facts About the Sycamore Gap Tree: England’s Fallen Icon

Tucked into a dramatic dip along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, the Sycamore Gap tree—affectionately known as the Robin Hood Tree—was more than just a beautiful landmark. It was a symbol of resilience, history, and connection to nature. Its tragic felling in 2023 shook the nation, but its story is far from over.

Here are 30 incredible Sycamore Gap tree facts that capture the essence, legacy, and ongoing journey of one of the UK’s most beloved trees.

The Tree and Its Location

1. The Sycamore Gap tree was a sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), not native to the UK but widely naturalized.
2. It stood next to Hadrian’s Wall, between Milecastle 39 and Crag Lough, in Northumberland.
3. The tree grew in a dramatic glacial dip, a striking natural feature carved by ancient meltwaters.
4. It reached a height of approximately 15 metres (49 feet).
5. The surrounding land, including the tree, is owned by the National Trust.
6. The tree’s position was visible from the nearby B6318 Military Road.
7. Its unique location made it one of the most photographed trees in England.

Pop Culture & Public Fame

8. It gained international fame after appearing in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner.
9. It was nicknamed the “Robin Hood Tree”, even though it was 170 miles from Sherwood Forest.
10. The tree featured in Bryan Adams’ iconic music video “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You.”
11. It appeared in British TV shows such as Vera and More Tales from Northumberland.
12. It was a favorite spot for astrophotographers, weddings, and memorials.
13. The term “Sycamore Gap” was coined by a National Trust employee during a remapping by Ordnance Survey.

History and Heritage

14. The tree was estimated to be around 150 years old, planted in the late 19th century.
15. It may have been planted by John Clayton, a lawyer and archaeologist who owned large sections of Hadrian’s Wall.
16. A tree sketch from 1832 and an enclosure seen in maps from the 1860s suggest it could be even older.
17. In 2016, it won England’s Tree of the Year, beating 200 other nominees.
18. It placed 5th in the 2017 European Tree of the Year contest.
19. The 2016 award came with a £1,000 grant, used to protect the tree’s exposed roots from foot traffic.

The Felling Incident

20. On 28 September 2023, the tree was illegally felled during Storm Agnes.
21. High winds masked the sound of a chainsaw, used to cut it at the base.
22. A white spray paint line was marked just below the cut, suggesting premeditation.
23. The act was widely condemned as a deliberate act of vandalism.
24. Two men from Cumbria were eventually found guilty of criminal damage in 2025.
25. They were sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison for felling the tree and damaging Hadrian’s Wall.

New Growth and Legacy

26. In March 2024, the first seedling sprouted from preserved genetic material.
27. A seedling was gifted to King Charles III, to be planted at Windsor Great Park.
28. New shoots have emerged from the stump, showing signs of regrowth.
29. Cuttings and seeds are being grown by the National Trust to distribute across schools and National Parks.
30. A digital recreation of the tree appears in Danny Boyle’s 2025 film 28 Years Later as a tribute.

Final Thoughts

Though the Sycamore Gap Tree has fallen, its legacy is sprouting anew. From film icon to cultural emblem, and now a symbol of renewal, the Robin Hood Tree has touched hearts across generations. As new saplings grow and shoots rise from the stump, the story of this incredible tree will continue to inspire for centuries to come.

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