Delight as Sycamore Gap tree sprouts - Northumberland National Park

Eight new shoots have been spotted growing from the stump of the iconic sycamore gap tree, ten months after it was felled

Encouraging signs of new life are peeking through at the site of the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland. Growing from the base of the stump, eight new shoots have emerged giving hope that the tree lives on, ten months since it was felled in 2023.

The iconic sycamore tree had stood in a dip in Hadrian’s Wall, in Northumberland National Park, before it was felled in an act of vandalism last autumn, sparking an unprecedented public response.

Each of the tiny new shoots has between one and six small leaves measuring between 2-4cm each in height, equivalent in size to between a 20 or 50 pence piece, and whilst it’s early days, the the new shoots could develop significant new growth to form as ‘new’ trees around the original stump.

The regrowth was spotted by Northumberland National Park Authority ranger, Gary Pickles, as part of routine checks in the area. He said: “It was serendipitous that I decided to walk up to Sycamore Gap to recce a guided walk planned for September, almost a year to the anniversary. I’ve done this walk several times over the last year, but this time it was different, there was something new – the trunk was showing signs of regeneration. I was first at the scene when the tree was discovered felled, and I remember saying hurriedly that it was gone. Now, I hope I can say that it’s back! My job as ranger for Hadrian’s Wall Path is all about conserving the past. So, in my head I had consigned the tree to history and so I am amazed and delighted that it may have a future after all and is making a go of it.”