Sycamore Gap stump shows new growth three years after felling

Three years after the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled, new growth is emerging from its stump. The National Trust has released images showing a thick ring of shoots, measuring two to three feet tall, flourishing at the site near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.

To facilitate recovery, the conservation charity fenced off the area to limit human disturbance and reduce soil compaction around the roots. Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, stated that the flourishing shoots are “really encouraging” and suggest that the protective measures are working.

The original tree was destroyed on September 28, 2023, by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, who were subsequently sentenced to prison for criminal damage to the tree and the ancient wall. In addition to the regeneration at the original site, saplings have been grown from seeds collected at the location.