In pictures: The famous Sycamore Gap tree

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The lone tree at Northumberland's Sycamore Gap was one of the most photographed in the country before it was deliberately cut down this week.

The Sycamore Gap tree standing in the natural dip in the landscape

It had been an iconic symbol of the area, standing tall for around 300 years in a natural dip in the landscape alongside Hadrian's Wall.

People walking along Hadrian's Wall next to the tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland at dusk

The tree was not just a beloved landmark, but held a special place in the hearts of many and decorated memorial pebbles were often left at the site.

Messages to loved ones written on stones that were left next to the tree at Sycamore Gap

Northumberland National Park Authority officials believe the tree was "deliberately felled". A teenager and a man in his 60s were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and later bailed. Northumbria Police say the investigation remains ongoing.

An aerial view shows the felled Sycamore Gap tree, along Hadrian's Wall, near Hexham, northern England An aerial view shows the felled Sycamore Gap tree, along Hadrian's Wall, near Hexham, northern England
Forensic investigators from Northumbria Police examine the felled Sycamore Gap tree Forensic investigators from Northumbria Police examine the felled Sycamore Gap tree

Kris Hodgetts, a photographer from Blyth in Northumberland, told the BBC he thought it was a hoax at first. “We haven't just lost another tree but a symbol of something natural in its perfect form which can’t be replaced by a statue or a memorial.”

Mr Hodgetts took the two photographs below during a night visit to Sycamore Gap in 2019.

A photograph taken by Kris Hodgetts at Sycamore Gap at nighttime in 2019 A photograph taken by Kris Hodgetts at Sycamore Gap at nighttime in 2019

The beloved landmark was named Tree of the Year in 2016 and was hugely popular with photographers.

The tree at Sycamore Gap taken showing the Northern Lights The tree at Sycamore Gap shown with fields in the foreground The tree at Sycamore Gap illuminated in the sunshine The tree at Sycamore Gap in winter

Experts say there is a chance shoots could grow from the stump as the tree had been healthy, although it will be decades at least until it is a visible presence on the landscape again.

Members of the public take photos of the tree at Sycamore Gap

Contributors

Picture editing by Phil Coomes. Production by Mike Hills and Dominic Bailey. Development by Becky Rush, Toby Cox and Assiz Pereira.

Images

Jeff Overs/BBC, Owen Humphreys/PA, Tom White/PA, Adam Vaughan/Shutterstock, Oli Scarff/AFP, Kris Hodgetts, Michael Conrad/Getty, Chris Lishman/Alamy.

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