In October 2023, the iconic Sycamore tree, along Hadrian’s Wall was cut down in an act of vandalism.
Personally, I have passed by the tree three times, each time it has been for three very different reasons and type of expeditions, different purposes, with the last time, being this May.
The ‘Gap’ part, is perfectly placed near accommodation, campsites, and brilliant boozer with ales and a steak pie.
For me, it resembles a place of rest and reflect on the beauty of the walk.
Friday 13th October 2023, the tree stump was removed and this occasion, for me, highlights a couple of positive thoughts.
What happened next.
“Tick follows Tock”
The act, was for some people a cry to be noticed and for others an end of an iconic view and an era.
Some businesses had set their logo’s and even product titles, based on the view. They will now have to consider, will the act have a negative impact on their business.
The view will change, but the ‘Gap’ that will always remain in the same place.
The legal bit
Guilty!
“moronic mission”
The two men responsible for felling the Sycamore Gap tree were sentenced to four years and three months in prison each, following national outrage over the destruction of one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.
Adam Carruthers, 32, and Daniel Graham, 39, travelled from Cumbria to Northumberland in September 2023 and cut down the 150-year-old sycamore in less than three minutes.
Both men were convicted of two counts of criminal damage: to the tree itself and to the protected section of Hadrian’s Wall it stood beside.
During sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court in July 2025, the judge described their actions as a “moronic mission” that caused “immeasurable harm” to heritage and community.
For further reading, you may wish to link to:
Beyond a tree.
What to do with a felled tree.
The stump itself has become a symbol of resilience, with new shoots appearing in 2024. While the original landmark can never be replaced, the regrowth offers hope that Sycamore Gap may one day live again in a new form.
Trees of Hope
After the tree was cut down in 2023, the National Trust collected seeds and propagated them at its Plant Conservation Centre. Forty-nine saplings – one for each foot of the tree’s height – were distributed to good causes across the UK under the “Trees of Hope” initiative. These saplings will be planted in accessible public spaces, ensuring the tree’s legacy continues in living form.
Some have already been earmarked for places like the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease and Windsor Great Park, where King Charles planted one.
Meanwhile, the largest section of the original trunk is now on permanent display at The Sill: Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland, where visitors can touch and reflect on the tree’s history.
BBC Artists have also worked with smaller pieces of the wood to create furniture and sculptural installations, turning destruction into renewal.
The BBC have made several documentaries that highlight the story and positive outcomes after the “Moronic Mission”.
BBC footage.
Beyond the Gap
Tide and Time stops for no man
Ironically, the tree was not cut down in a way that it would die! With love and and care, the tree will continue to sprout new shoots and in time, it will stand as tall and as strong as it did in September 2023.
Putting these two thoughts together, wouldn’t it be wonderful if, as humans, we could see we are resilient, and that change can become a positive way forward.
As humans, we get older, our lives, our bodies and the relationships we have, will change. If we can put up a fight to ‘grow back’ we will come back and be stronger. Armed with new aims, ambitions and a chance to make a difference.
In my case, at the age of 42, I was told that I was going to go blind.
Click to read a little bit more about me.
After a time, I came back fighting! I have achieved more, travelled further and a great deal more acceptant to change.
Currently, I want to change the way that we find new jobs, a greater impact on an inclusive, clear and most of all, a positive experience.
🌿 Moor, Mountain, Grow: Confidence in the Countryside 🌿
In 2026, I will be launching a new initiative designed to open up the beauty of Exmoor to more people. Over the course of three days, participants will be guided through practical skills and confidence-building experiences that prepare them for longer expeditions in the years ahead.
This project is especially for those who have ever thought: “I’d love to go on a walking holiday, but I’m not sure how to organise it or whether I’d feel safe and confident enough.”
Moor, Mountain, Grow is about breaking down those barriers—creating an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone can discover the joy of the countryside, regardless of experience or background.
👉 If this speaks to you, or if you’d like to explore how you can be part of this journey, please click below and get in touch. Together, we can grow confidence, build community, and open the outdoors to all.
You must be logged in to post a comment.