Felled Sycamore Gap tree inspires musical lament

Kathryn Tickell is a celebrated figure in the Northumbrian music scene

A Northumbrian musician has written a piece of music to honour the memory of a famous local landmark.

The Sycamore Gap tree, which stood in a dip next to Hadrian's Wall, was felled in an act of vandalism last year.

Kathryn Tickell was among those shocked by the news, and has now composed a lament in advance of the one year anniversary.

It features Northumbrian pipes, as well as rustling leaves and wind noises to "evoke the spirit of the place".

Ms Tickell, a celebrated figure in the Northumbrian music scene, said: "Sycamore Gap represented the region’s rich history, landscape and heritage and everyone was shocked when it was suddenly no longer with us.

"People started asking me if I was going to write a tune for the tree, and I realised that this was something I could do to honour its memory.

"I hope that this piece of music will stimulate people’s memories of the tree and serve as a lasting tribute to a real Northumbrian icon."

The piece, called Sycamore Gap, is available on music streaming platforms.

The tree felling prompted a police investigation

The discovery of the felled tree on the morning of 28 September, prompted a police investigation.

Two men were subsequently charged with causing criminal damage and are due to go on trial in December.

Meanwhile eight new shoots have emerged from the base of the tree, giving hopes it could live on.