On May 9, 2025, Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were found guilty of criminal damage for felling the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, England. The tree, a beloved natural landmark near Hadrian’s Wall and featured in the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” had stood since the late 19th century and was part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The men traveled from Carlisle, felled the tree with a chainsaw overnight, and took a section with them. The action caused outrage across the U.K. and internationally.
Prosecutors and the public condemned the act as senseless and destructive, with the Crown Prosecution Service citing deliberate vandalism and public mockery by the perpetrators. Justice Christina Lambert scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2025, with the men potentially facing up to 10 years in prison. The value of the destroyed tree was initially estimated at $830,000, though later assessments suggest lower figures. Authorities reported the men provided no justification for their actions, which continue to be viewed with widespread condemnation.
The Sycamore Gap tree, also known as the “Robin Hood tree,” was a 150-year-old sycamore located next to Hadrian’s Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. Standing in a dramatic dip in the landscape created by glacial meltwater, it was one of the country’s most photographed trees and an emblem for the North East of England. The tree won the 2016 England Tree of the Year award. The felling of the tree led to an outpouring of anger and sadness. Two men from Cumbria, aged 38 and 31, were arrested in October 2023 and charged in April 2024 with criminal damage both to the tree and to the adjacent Hadrian’s Wall. Their trial began on April 28, 2025, at Newcastle Crown Court and they were found guilty on May 9.
The prosecution presented compelling digital evidence, including metadata, GPS tracking, and a video of the tree being cut down with a chainsaw. Although both denied involvement and offered conflicting accounts, the prosecution argued they committed the act together for amusement. The chainsaw and a suspected “trophy” wedge of wood remain missing, but images on Graham’s phone linked him to the scene. The tree’s destruction has been condemned as a “mindless act of destruction.” Sentencing is scheduled for July 15, and both men face potential sentences of up to 10 years in prison. The tree was valued at around £620,000, with additional damage to the wall estimated at £1,100.
The case has spurred calls for legislative protection of heritage trees, akin to that of historic buildings. The Woodland Trust and National Trust highlighted the emotional public response and the symbolic importance of the tree, especially to communities in northeast England. Authorities, including Northumbria police, denounced the act as a senseless and unjustifiable example of vandalism, further underscoring the need for better preservation measures for natural heritage landmarks.
The motive behind their act remains unclear, though the prosecution suggested it was done “for a laugh.” Despite facing overwhelming evidence, the men pleaded not guilty, further wasting public resources. The article underscores the senselessness and profound impact of their actions, describing them as “pathetic men” engaging in a premeditated crime under the delusion of carrying out an “operation.” The vandalism triggered national outrage and sorrow over the loss of a cherished natural landmark that had stood for generations. While the perpetrators await sentencing in July, which is expected to reflect public fury, there is a glimmer of hope: new seedlings have sprouted from the stump, signaling nature’s resilience.
In conclusion, the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers represents a profound loss to the cultural and natural heritage of the United Kingdom. Their actions have not only caused significant damage to a historic landmark but have also sparked a broader conversation about the protection of natural heritage sites. As the community mourns the loss, efforts to preserve and protect such landmarks are more crucial than ever.
