Two men charged over felling of famous tree in UK

Two men have been charged with causing criminal damage following the felling of a famous Sycamore Gap tree in northeast England last year.

38-year-old Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, 31, will appear in court next month, Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

The much-photographed tree, which stood next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for 200 years, was chopped down last September.

The CPS said it “authorised Northumbria Police to charge Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers with causing criminal damage after the Sycamore Gap tree was cut down last September.

“They have also been charged with causing criminal damage to Hadrian’s Wall and will appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on May 15th 2024”.

Police made a number of arrests in the wake of the felling of the tree, which happened overnight on 27-28 September.

A teenager and man in his 60s were later both told that they will face no further action.

The National Trust, which owns the land on which the tree stood, said it was hopeful the sycamore will live on after scientists found that salvaged seeds and cuttings are showing positive signs of being viable for new growth.

The charity announced that it is hopeful that more than 30% of the mature seeds and half of the cuttings it collected from the tree’s remains will be viable.

It is also said that the trunk of the original tree will regrow, but it may be up to three years before this is known for sure.

The National Trust said it is working on a “fitting tribute” to the tree to ensure its legacy lives on following an an unprecedented public response to the felling.

Last month, staff at its Plant Conservation Centre said rescued seeds and buds were “springing into life”, giving more hope the famous tree will live on.

Plans for the Sycamore Gap seeds are still in development and saplings will not be ready for planting for at least 12 months, the trust said.