UK’s iconic Sycamore Gap tree cut down by ‘vandals’

It was a beautiful tree that starred in many people's lives and even a blockbuster movie. But this morning the ancient sycamore which graced the skyline in Northumberland's National Park next to Hadrian's Wall had been cut down. Why?
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As for the who, this afternoon Northumbria Police said they had arrested a 16-year-old boy in connection with the felling of the tree.
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[@MrLachlan09]

I live about ten minutes away from here. The sense of sorrow and anger in the local towns and villages is palpable. Meeting people this morning the overwhelming response has been that people are just lost for words. The tree was iconic and transcended just being a tree. It was a symbol of nature that infiltrated into the hearts and souls of people. I am in my late sixties and let us just say I have had a full life. But I am not ashamed to say that I cried when I heard the news. Not only for the felling of the tree, but also for a society that is so broken it can produce an individual who can carry out such a mindless and irrational act.

[@colinellesmere]

I never saw the tree. Never heard about it But I saw the pictures before and the destruction and I cried. Pathos pathos pathos. Somethings hit home hard. The blowing up of the Bamayan Buddhas in Afghanistan. These markers are symobolic of beauty, history, nature, mortality. The boy who did this is an idiot. Ignorant. You want to punch him in the face but truthfully he deserves to be pitied. No idea what is of value.

[@azillliasmith2734]

I was brought up / have lived in north east all of life this is heart breaking.....this is part of my life .....

[@fpvflightfootage7869]

I’m absolutely gutted for northumberland.. I can’t even imagine how angry you must feel. It makes me sad that a lot of young people just want to destroy all of our heritage these days. As if it never existed.

[@skitlow1891]

The lack of punishment for this is also astounding, the kid has been let out on bail already and will likely not face full consequences as he is a child

[@imthebadguy3225]

Description?

[@marmettec9923]

This is absolutely sickening. A life of several hundred years ended for no reason by a vandal. Disgusting. I'd give the parents and their idiotic juvenile delinquent a lifetime's worth of community service planting and caring for trees. How completely depressing , awful and criminal.

[@Trund27]

I think this is actually a SPECTACULAR idea. I seriously would advocate for this.

[@IvanDeMarino]

I agree. Perfect sentence.

[@milesbrown8016]

Nothing will happen. Criminals don’t even go to jail

[@Yeah-Buddy-Lightweight]

The UK Gov is softer on crime than a jumper knitted by your nan is.

[@savingyoutime4755]

If that lad is found guilty his family will move. 18 months of people whispering around them when they buy milk, people not saying morning...they'll get the message and move on.

[@niallmunro2272]

I'm from Scotland and I'm gutted and angered in what's happened, a massive part of history has gone and ruined.

[@Mattadongay]

​@imsickofyou-pb2xt fr

[@Southeast_Asian_Devil]

You don't have statues in Scotland so I guess cutting down a tall tree will suffice to send the message

[@user-sf7kl9uh7k]

​@@Southeast_Asian_DevilNo they don't have any, apart from the William Wallace and Roberty Burns statue's?

[@oolongoolong789]

Clearly this was not a random or mindless act of vandalism. The perpetrator of this disturbing act knew and understood the symbolic value of this tree to the region and the country at large. The legal punishment must be swift and severe.

[@frontenac5083]

Lol. Get a life!

[@iant9461]

@@frontenac5083 ​​⁠People like you don’t care about anything or anyone but theirselves and perhaps there family. Let’s hope that one day, some punk who has a hatred for our society and our beautiful countryside doesn’t extend such an act upon the neck of one of your loved ones. Perhaps you are that punk!

[@thefastcommenter7774]

IT. IS. JUST. A. TREE. CAL. DOWN.

[@iant9461]

@@thefastcommenter7774 So how many other “just a tree” shall we just chop down randomly. Do you own anything? If you do, will you be happy for me to come and destroy it, especially when your insurance won’t cover the cost? You need to wise up, buck up and look after your country !

[@thefastcommenter7774]

@@iant9461 As far as I know you aren’t the Lorax, you don’t speak on behalf of the trees. It’s just a tree yet you all are getting into a bunch about it. Grow up.

[@fergus.015]

What a world we live in where sentimental things are destroyed by vandals for absolutely no reason whatsoever.😥

[@sararichardson737]

Though it was not a thing, rather a sentient silent witness of humans long gone and their often funny and now depraved ways. Sad.

[@_Ben4810]

"depraved ways"...??? What on earth are you talking about...? 🙄🙄🙄

[@imafackinjunglist]

Got no sentiment for what’s left of the rain forest in Africa then?

[@TheAntiTrope]

​@@_Ben4810 shot in the dark here, but perhaps the much darker irl stories the movie that made this tree nationally/internationally famous were based upon?

[@LEuington6]

@@imafackinjunglisthow do those two situations correlate at all?

[@artfuldodger9312]

It is crucial to bear in mind that this particular tree has been standing tall for a remarkable 300 years, making it a significant landmark long before it gained any recognition from a Robin Hood film released over three decades ago. Throughout the centuries, this tree has held great significance for countless individuals, from those living in the 1700s up until the present day. It is disheartening to witness the current state of affairs in our nation, as it seems to reflect a decline in values and respect for our historical treasures. However, it is my fervent hope that we take a strong stance against the despicable individual responsible for this heinous act and hold them accountable. Additionally, it may be prudent to consider imposing fines on the parents of such an individual, as their role in raising and nurturing such a morally bankrupt individual cannot be ignored.

[@AnnaBellaChannel]

100% correct

[@MavericksDrone]

We are extremely saddened here in Ireland too.

[@NoOne-bl6do]

Snowflakes getting butt hurt over a tree.

[@Blahem1]

​@@MavericksDrone After 800 years of Britain destroying Ireland?

[@zolikingsthorpe7297]

I am extremely saddenened here in Hungary also. Never forget: evil has human face!

[@bandiflip]

ITS A SHAME THEY DIDNT FIND HIS BODY UNDER THE TREE

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

Could be arranged !!!!!!!

[@reecegunningham]

for 300 years it stood without an issue. I really want to know who exactly would do something like this

[@suzyqualcast6269]

Bit like that pair of fwats demolishing that Black Country pub t'other week, bit......

[@homewordbound4970]

At least you opted from the proper age, nice one 👍 The creator of this post opted to lie or exaggerate about it's age

[@dorkbrandon4422]

That wasn't a 16 year old that cut that , those felling cuts are half decent for someone under pressure to not get caught let alone with just a head torch during the night no way .

[@orianthi_elys]

Yea, my thoughts exactly

[@mac51973]

The 16 year old is a decoy for police while they hunt the true culprit

[@AnyoneCanSee]

Someone has done it done it for internet clout. They probably went there with a team, drones etc. This was done for internet fame.

[@GlasgowCelticBhoy]

Come on guys - lets not go down the personal incredulity path. I know the British police aren't the greatest, but give them a chance to do their investigations and see what they say at the end.

[@poultryfaarm]

@@AnyoneCanSeeor someone got fed up with the tourism and took a chainsaw to it. It does look pretty professional, not to say a 16 year old couldn’t be professional.. hey actually he needn’t have been arrested for the actual felling, it could have been a different offence related to the tree, like saying something offensive about it on social media… maybe he made a joke that it was time for the tree to “leave”

[@alexbowman7582]

It’s a big thick tree. Looked professionally cut. It’s difficult to imagine a 16 year old doing it alone, although not impossible it’s unlikely.

[@anonamoss78]

lol @@PaulM_aka_4c21

[@macstyle2012]

And for a 16 year old - who would not be able to drive - it is a long walk there with heavy cutting equipment. Must have been more than one person involved. If he didn't live very close by, then it would be a few hours hiking with a large chainsaw from the nearest large towns.

[@ganrimmonim]

I was thinking that I'm sure an ordinary 16 would have been able to do, or indeed even get there with the equipment without help.

[@alexbowman7582]

@@ganrimmonim it’s possible but it looks like a professional job

[@ripgeorgie3156]

Very, very clean cut.

[@SevCaswell]

This was not done by a child, this was done by a professional, who knew exactly what they were doing.

[@John-hp2hg]

Yes it was. A 16 yr old boy did it. Also, it's not that hard to cut down a tree....

[@anglosaxon5874]

It was done by a 16yo as was said. In a decent world, it would get the death penalty for what it did! But the scummy low-life oxygen thief will get away with it I bet!

[@yucol5661]

Why can’t teenagers know how to use a chainsaw properly? Could have learned by family or helping around. Dangerous but doable. And they did arrest a 60 year old man too no? Are you gonna say an old man can’t work a chainsaw either?

[@carollxo1019]

​@@anglosaxon5874no he won't! I'd be surprised if he'll be sleeping well at night, after everyone learns whom this teen is!

[@anglosaxon5874]

@@carollxo1019 OOOhhh "no he won't". Chill out liberal! Bahhhaaa baaahaaa

[@jd6331]

I just heard about this, that's so sad. 😞 I'm not even familiar with the tree myself, but seeing this story is very upsetting. I can only imagine how locals and people all around England must be feeling... such a great loss. I can see why that tree was so iconic. Seeing the images, it looked so beautiful, as if planted there intentionally (perhaps it was). It's a major part of the scenery, and something to be in awe of -- that tree has been around for so much longer than any of us; it's weathered so many storms and had so many visitors. Definitely a part of the collective soul and the culture. Sorry to everyone in Northumberland and throughout England for what has happened. 🕊️❤️ Sending love from the USA.

[@Kay_D8727]

Thank you for your kind words ❤

[@SomeGuyWho..]

You wrote a paragraph about a tree

[@MS-sy8ls]

As someone who lives in Northumberland it’s disgusting to think that somebody has ruined a staggering and beautiful ikon on our region for no reason at all. Sad day.

[@squawkmaster234]

looks better with no tree tbh

[@thefastcommenter7774]

@@squawkmaster234Fr.

[@informationyes]

@@squawkmaster234 Yeah your in the minute minority their mate

[@informationyes]

@@SomeGuyWho.. Everything you own is just an object

[@wishingonthemoon1]

Honestly, jail time for this. This is sickening. I hope new life springs from the stump leftover. The roots are still alive and strong.

[@alexverdigris9939]

Most probably will do, but it will need protection from rodents until established.

[@dylannicholson762]

Needs 24/7 security from now on

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

It's a Sycamore...... they're basically a weed. It should grow back as long as Deer or other animals don't eat off all the new shoots. Gonna take a while to get back to a decent size though...

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

Who cares what you claim it is, that's not the point in this!@@nickmaclachlan5178

[@dylannicholson762]

@@nickmaclachlan5178 doesn’t matter how long it takes, as long it grows back.

[@kj6791]

There is NO way a 16 year old would have the skill, knowledge and experience to be able to fell this tree. Being a tree surgeon and looking at the felling cut and hinge wood, it looks like someone knew what they were doing when they felled this tree, someone with years of experience. Not a 16 year old.

[@bharnst69]

I just lost a lemon tree last week, tried to save it with grafting but it did not work. The tree was 15 years old and gave me lemons all those years, it wasn't just a tree, now I can imagine how people are feeling about this unfortunate loss. Hope you all get well soon, greetings from Argentina.

[@ctmcollins4160]

Hola...I remember ploughing up a lemon tree sapling on a farm in Zambia.....the big veggie patch was my job.....I was just clearing the whole area....whizzing around on my Yanmar tractor....showing off......trying to make a good impression on my new in-laws(!) I didn't know...I was ignorant......but, that became the local farmers joke.. any time the community got together. I never lived it down. Currently, (many, many years later)... I just need to trim a tree in front of my rented house......it's sprawling all over the car in the driveway...we have to crawl under it, to walk up the little path....but....there is a bird's nest in it!! (car roof covered in guano) So........ gonna have to wait until the chicks have flown!! It hurts me more than the tree. I hope that you have another tree that is still giving you lemons. Peace from Kaapstad (RSA)

[@TheKingsJarl]

Yeah but I’m still sorry about your lemon tree..

[@heartofoak45]

There's more to this than meets the eye. A sixteen-year-old boy with modern equipment does not cut a tree down un-aided for no apparent reason. It is of such cultural significance the Police need to be totally forthright and inform the public all they know surrounding this incident. Total transparency.

[@TonklinFallen]

The police are still investigating, so they know there are others involved. And they won't reveal info of an ongoing investigation. Otherwise they will spook the real culprits.

[@rumples2698]

@@HavingMySay 🤭🤣

[@curleex3838]

I will be surprised if he's white knowing there are certain groups here in England who want to destroy our history! Invaded we are...!!!

[@ArEnTuli]

@@HavingMySay This leaves me speechless! The special branch need to get to the root of this aSAP. Seriously, whomever is responsible for this Syca-no-more has disgusted me to the core!

[@ArdGeal]

Tree-mend-us

[@cgimovieman]

I know in the grand scheme of things it was just a single tree, but this really does anger me. Mostly just because of ugly human nature and disregard for anything that someone can have. We’ve all likely done silly or stupid things as kids or teenagers, maybe even as adults, but destroying something iconic like this? To what end and purpose could you possibly do that? As a joke? A statement of some kind? The only thing it accomplishes is confirming that the person who did it is an ignorant and heartless human being.

[@yerhan1572]

It was more than a single tree it cant be replaced

[@MaxTheLazyCat]

I know right? Like why can't some people just appreciate the sentimental value in things? I guess not everyone's minds are able to comprehend those emotions for whatever reason, it'd be nice if the police make an example out of this dickhead by making him do community service with environmental stuff.

[@Tao_Tology]

They cut it down _because_ they knew it was important, _because_ they knew it would cause harm and upset others.

[@pavlovssheep5548]

Scotland cut down over 14 million trees in order to put up wind turbines , .

[@heinkle1]

@@Tao_Tologyindeed, much like vandalising a Banksy or something. Just because they can, for no other good reason.

[@jaker3151]

1:57 For a 300 year old tree the cross section of the tree's trunk looks so healthy. It probably could of lived many hundreds of years more. Such a shame it was cut down.

[@Crusader1984]

This species of tree can live for thousands of years easily and be completely healthy

[@illsate]

that’s crazy sad to be honest rest in peace

[@Anon90210]

What's wrong with people these days!? I am disgusted, angry and deeply saddened by the nonsensical, callous, destructive nature of some people, especially the one who did this.😢

[@nickwilliams9887]

There should be no reason why this vandal escapes the full extent of the law for damaging an icon for this country! Many people got married at this site, visited this area and have fond memories all because of this tree. No crime should be without punishment, and when someone can easily destroy a local site which many people across country knew the significance of, it shows the disregard people these days have for nature. Just a tree you might say…. But one that was so popular it caught the eye of painters, photographers, tourists, movie directors and more! I would say that deserves more than a slap on the wrist!

[@tomosa6880]

Yes our severe penalties of no Xbox for a month will really hit home. ... it's a tree. But I guess it's not sick anymore. ... to soon? 😂

[@Jymboslicx]

​@@tomosa6880?

[@RobbieCarter-iy5lu]

I have a reason why he shouldn't be punished ... the government cut down how many trees a year 😂 this poor kid

[@dfr6663]

​@@tomosa6880 Ooh, edgy...

[@MJB9559]

Wanker central in the comments 🙄

[@Thestaggertom]

This is the symbol that England has fallen in every sense of it !

[@Bran_Redmaw]

It's time to fight back

[@Greenpoloboy3]

And The Government is that 16 year old boy

[@ma12sh]

sad but true, quite sad, i saw this tree 30 years ago as a 10 year old kid, come from Australia to visit family and see that tree

[@danielwhyatt3278]

@@Bran_RedmawHere here

[@earthangel1457]

Now only the wall of division stands to divide us

[@emperorsmizz7439]

Other trees felled without reason everyday watching this like "am I a joke to you "

[@dazza944]

Unless this kid was a trained tree surgeon there’s no way this is the work of a vandalising teenager That’s a clean cut and clearly done by someone who knew what they were doing

[@MultiBikerboy1]

Exactly 👍🏻

[@frankreynolds9930]

Because it's from chainsaw.

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

I saw it was a simple cut from a long bar chain saw, so yes i think you are right, but their age matters not of who ACTUALLY did it, i expect the law serves younger people differently being less severe,he has been put up for this, may be.

[@jonnyanderson2271]

A devastating day for Northumberland and the UK. A sickening and unforgivable act by a few scumbags. 😞😭😡

[@RobbieCarter-iy5lu]

😂😂 it's a fucking tree how many trees do the government cut down a year and then this poor sod gets arrested 😂 they hate competition hey

[@ajones747]

Work of a psychopath

[@BarghestOne]

What colour was the tree???

[@RobbieCarter-iy5lu]

​@@BarghestOnewhite 😂 racist basted it's a fucking tree get a grip the government cuts down how many a year 😂

[@RobbieCarter-iy5lu]

​@@ajones747I think you need a dictionary

[@Samuraikush420]

Make an example, we all do stupid stuff at that age but this is insanity. Throw the book, juvenile detention.

[@CricketEngland]

Their is no way one 16 year old cut down this tree, it would take more than 1 person to do it.

[@davfree9732]

Teen "I confess, it was I who cut down the apple tree" Judge: "Well thank goodness your not a liar... 3 years in a penal colony. What? Your not my son."

[@Mieke3133]

No! my generation would never have done anything so destructive and pointless. The problem is that the younger generation have not been taught 'right from wrong'. Their schools and teachers aren't even capable of imposing discipline. What a sad society.

[@justinteehee4358]

​@@CricketEngland a 16 year old could if they had a little experience in cutting trees and chainsaws. It's fairly easy to do by hand at night when no one's around with a large quality hand saw

[@CricketEngland]

@@justinteehee4358if you think it’s that easy you give it a try then and see how hard it is… their is no way he did it on his own.

[@Ady00pk]

🌲 I work in a tree nursery. Did you know that if a tree has a disease, the next spring it'll send its seeds🫒 further away from itself🍃🌳 so the next generation doesn't get into contact with the same disease. 🍂 Also, if a another tree lacks nutrients , other trees connected to the root network, start focusing more resources towards that area of the root network where the tree in need is. Fascinating how somehow, the tree "knows" to sacrifice itself for the sake of the group/species/next gen. . Something that us humans forget more and more how to do. Reflection being in acts like this..and in the carelessness we imbedded in our lifes..

[@Lynne011000]

Fair enough but this tree wasn't diseased it was a healthy tree

[@EchoExchange]

Believed to be 300 years old, charges of vandalism should be timed by 300

[@Pesmog]

It feels like I have lost an old friend. I always looked for the tree in the gap when I drove between Twice Brewed and Housesteads. For those that don't know the area, its context is important. As we can see from the video it is a tree growing in an exposed semi-moorland area where it is difficult for any deciduous tree to grow to that size due to the soil, salty atmosphere and the poor winter weather with high winds. It was something of a survivor and its a local tragedy that it is gone.

[@tommymeadows4591]

grow a pair

[@bobbyc179]

You need to get laid

[@bobbyc179]

You need to get laid

[@SevCaswell]

It is a National Tragedy.

[@thefastcommenter7774]

It’s a tree mate calm down

[@adicbn]

Whoever did this was no amateur. That cut looks very clean

[@imthebadguy3225]

Why are they blaming a "teen"? I smell a cover up!

[@gort4166]

This is obviously a job for special branch.

[@angr3819]

The question is "what is the felling of the tree a distraction from?". It is cut clean and level in one go, by a very large heavy duty electrical saw. Obviously not battery operated, either. There must have been a heavy petrol electricity generator, which would not have been loaded onto a large vehicle by one boy, one man and not by both, either. Even if one, the other or both claim to have felled it alone or together, they clearly could not have done so. I never believed a 16 year old kid did it, and nor do I believe a 60 year old man did it alone or with a boy to help. I believe this is a misgovernment hoax to distract from other things. What else should you be paying attention to? 🤔 THE heinous Online Safety Bill, perhaps? Which is less about protecting children (they could always have done that) and far more about preventing truths from circulating online. We live in a tyrannical corporatocracy - and everyone here is detracted by everything but. Or perhaps it was blocking fore and foive jee energy weapons from a clear path. They have been used by the militaries when turned up. It's TOWERS! CCTV ULEZ wouldn't work without them. They couldn't do half of what they intend to do without , could they? Why aren't they being taken down or disabled? Why aren't those installing and maintaining them being stopped??? Watch out for foive jee masts going up nearby disguised as trees. Newcastle has just erected TWO next to each other.

[@imthebadguy3225]

@@angr3819 Remember how reluctant they were to acknowledge groomer gangs?

[@johnnylego807]

Why has the 16 year old responsibile hidden and bailed out? This is beyond vandalism, it’s terrorism. Attacking and defacing a heritage site! He’s DESTROYED IT!! Lock him up for good!!

[@elaxter]

Those saying "it's just a tree" are soulless NPCs and their thoughts on anything should be discarded.

[@leaf2180]

The things people do for a few minutes of "fame." No doubt they were tiktokers. Such an unnecessary crime with permanent consequences. Hope they are jailed without bond.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

Exactly. I guess the same thing. Many are writing why. The answer is social media clout. This action screams so little twept thinking it will make him famous. And sadly it will.

[@RobbieCarter-iy5lu]

Its a fucking tree 😂 how many trees do the government cut down each year 😂 you lot are mental

[@bonjouritsready]

The issue with that claim being that it’s currently not on TikTok

[@TonklinFallen]

The kid was probably paid to do it by someone else. I mean a 16 year old with a chainsaw???

[@AnyoneCanSee]

@@TonklinFallen - Yeah, after learning about a landowner chopping down a 2000-year-old tree in Glastonbury recently which was initially blamed on vandals, I'm thinking this might be a "right to roam" situation now. It attracts a lot of tourists and whoever owns the land might want to get rid of them. So maybe they decided to cut it down in the night, pay a fine and people will stop coming. There are tons of cases of landowners trying to stop rights of way, blocking paths, building fences etc.

[@jess_o]

I think that vandal owes a debt to society they'll never repay

[@zolikingsthorpe7297]

Damage to property can be hundred millions of Pounds

[@tommymeadows4591]

@@zolikingsthorpe7297 its a tree mate doubt it was worth more than a grand

[@tommymeadows4591]

@@zolikingsthorpe7297 hundred million for a tree have a laugh

[@kennywilkinson913]

​@@tommymeadows4591Time is worth more than money.

[@thefastcommenter7774]

IT. IS. JUST. A. TREE. CAL. DOWN.

[@lastboy8219]

This is what happens when schools are more concentrated on teaching kids about pride flags instead of history.

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

Good one!

[@fartexplosion4480]

That's a remarkably clean cut for a 16-year-old in the middle of a rainy night. Are the cops sure it wasn't a local farmer blaming his son?

[@johnsilver613]

This is the sort of thing an enemy would do - destroying local culture and being utterly mindless. Investigate and punish whoever is responsible to the full extent of the law and damage they caused.

[@cdeford2]

Jail him. That's the only answer to such vandalism.

[@wgcds7jyg897]

Or cut off his oranges

[@SausageRoll4u]

If you genuinely believe that a 16 year old boy cut this down, there is no hope for you

[@bobjit252]

Ffs it’s a tree , it’s sad , it’s been around for hundreds of years but there’s so much more pain and destruction and deaths going on in the world and in our cities .

[@jamielee9350]

As someone who has felled many trees , you can tell that whoever did this was a professional, had a chainsaw with at least a 42" cutter bar., and the quality of the cutting... the "hinge" left when cutting is dam near perfect.

[@gordonthomson7533]

Maybe he live in the countryside and has felled many a tree in the last couple of years. It could easily be a 16yr old. But let's see.

[@undetectedkiller]

You're welcome

[@davidnisbet2057]

If he had a bar that big he could of at least milled it up, would make a lovely table

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

Plus it was presumably done at night in relative darkness, which I'm assuming makes the feat even more impressive.

[@TayWoode]

I thought the same but why would a professional do that? I’d expect someone like Mizzy to do it for a prank

[@hurricanejanko7394]

What I find bizarre is that we are celebrating one tree in open space, while this place should have thousands of them.

[@IDontModWTFz]

Exactly, they all got used for looroll

[@thelonesomewanderer8359]

whoever did this deserves to rot in jail for the rest of their lives.

[@marald6076]

300 hundreds years of English History and Human History...😢😢😢😢 good bye old friend.

[@calderarecords]

*THIS* is the generation who are going to save the world from utter extinction? The person who did this had to be full of hatred, & cowardice. A tree has never deliberately harmed anyone, it is a symbol of nature, & has NO defense mechanisms. This is a sad day that one of our own kind has killed such an innocent life-form for nothing but their own pleasure in seeking attention. There's nothing more I wish to add.

[@melvynparkerson9984]

So no trees should be felled then. have you wood in your house .

[@rogerengland7692]

​@@melvynparkerson9984this isn't just any tree though is it?

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

I agree with the people who say that it looks too professional to have been cut down by a teenager on his own.

[@YA-hm5zy]

It was one person's actions. Maybe it's his parents that should be held accountable.

[@RpattoYT]

You'd be surprised. Ironically, this might be the most united England has been in 70 years. This senseless act is galvanising people. Our response to this act is going to be way more important, than the act itself.

[@obtuse1291]

The culprit and families deserve to be named and shamed on all news outlets possible. 😢

[@jcchannel2850]

Their family? Great idea. Three generations of punishment.

[@Tuhaloher0]

The families had nothing to do with it just shame the person how done it

[@stereodreamer23]

NO, the perpetrators should be charged and prosecuted for committing an act of Domestic Bio-Terrorism. This wasn't just some TikTok prank--it was a VERY. specific message being sent to the People of the UK and the rest of the Western World--that there are forces at work in the UK who are willing to do anything to destroy and eradicate Western Culture fro the face of the planet. WTFU. This wasn't a prank, any more than flying jets in to the WTC was a prank. It was a message. The people of the UK have a very bleak future ahead of them if they don't wake up, weed out these Anti-Western demons, and purge their island of these hateful, totalitarian forces in their cities, their government, and their educational institutions...

[@ellesse3862]

Named and shamed is a badge of honour, jail, jail for a long long time.. thats were they should go.

[@barrymccullock4757]

How can you adequately make someone accountable for such an act of appalling vandalism? Destroying something as iconic and irreplaceable in such an obviously calculated manner must have been well planned. I don’t know why the accused person being so relatively young makes it more shocking, but it does to me. Maybe I’m naive in thinking the majority of young people are more environmentally conscious and such destruction seems counterintuitive. Was it an act of protest, an attempt to shock the establishment or government, or just some disaffected petulant teenager lashing out? Whatever the case the individual responsible will have made themselves a name for every wrong reason.

[@ZaydDepaor]

the problem is saying '16yr old boy/child' when in reality you are a young man at that age...and UK doesn't even punish murderers, rapists, burglars and child abusers let alone environmental and historical heritage vandals. £10,000 fine plus 1,000hrs community service planting trees and litter picking.

[@fenellasongbird]

Of course the person who did it has NO conscience! This person is evil and damaged. This is a tragedy 💔

[@thomasjosullivan9179]

I agree, it is a display of evil

[@kymmoore853]

The really sad truth is that they probably did this to get noticed in some weird warped way; probably an ill conceived way of being famous for something. I honestly hope they get to whoever did this but, even if they do, I don’t expect they’ll be given more than a slap on the wrist and small fine.

[@jamesbyrne9312]

Evil OR damaged. Maybe he proposed under the tree and was rejected. Life us complicated

[@jamesbyrne9312]

@@user-hi2ss9ky9f or heartbroken beyond belief. So quick to judge without knowing motive

[@jamesbyrne9312]

@@randomman69420Z you've never had your heart ripped out clearly

[@pedroloco9327]

So a 16 year old has trekked out into the middle of nowhere with a chainsaw and professionally cut down this huge tree.? Something doesn’t add up about this story.

[@danielwoodgate5897]

I reckon several chav charver scumbag teens did this, he was one of them.

[@Metalblowing]

People are too polite. Ukrainian here. I've been the the GB for a few times, but unfortunately wasn't able to visit this spot due to business trip limitations. As soon as I saw the news, I felt like I've lost something close. This tree is a historical piece, it saw and heard more than we can imagine. It's no coincidence that trees are the symbol of life. I wanted to take my girlfriend on car trip through the Great Britain once the war was over. This would be one of our stops. Like, I casually mentioned this wall and the tree in conversations with my friends - telling them how we're gonna drive there & they will get to experience a true piece of history that's "locked in time". Such a waste. Why would anyone do such a stupid thing?

[@ellee3727]

It's not the same but my family and me planted a beautiful cherry tree 20 odd years ago and it grew and grew and became so tall and so stunningly beautiful then during covid we had a tragedy in the family and we had to move out. The family that moved in cut the tree down and when I found out my heart just broke all over again. This is absolutely tragic, what a beautiful old tree this Sycamore was, so strong and proud. The person who's done this is no use to society, what will they do next?! 😢

[@linda5067]

I think this is disgusting,I hope he get sent down for doing this

[@SalemikTUBE]

Not going to happen. Zero consequences. They are already claiming to not even be sure if it was an "act of vandalism". You know like carving your name into it.

[@emm_arr]

@@SalemikTUBE "Zero consequences." He's been arrested. Why are you shitpostong?

[@physc0tr00per]

Why, he was just getting rid of an invasive species.

[@peterdudgon3830]

@@SalemikTUBE cretin

[@Harrywilkinscornwall]

⁠@@emm_arrI understand what their saying though, It’s one thing being arrested but what’s he actually being charged for. It’s not vandalism because it’s not a form of properly, it’s an iconic part of nature. I personally think they should be named and shamed. That way these actions would have knock on affects to his social life. People wouldn’t want him working for their companies and he’d be forced to convince others he’s learnt and changed in to a more respectful manner.

[@mintybadger6905]

I’m so sorry to hear this! Traveling to see that tree was on my bucket list. I can only imagine how hurt the locals must be.

[@tonybrown9875]

Greenie 911, false flag, let me guess more laws over people, more restrictions, stay in your habitat area, agenda 21... not falling for it.

[@fluffycamo]

Just go see a different tree they are all pretty much the same

[@verybigkittens7550]

Went about 6 years ago with my late girlfriend, will never go again now after this. The subhumans that did this need the same thing doing to them. An example needs to be set.

[@jeffcranmer9419]

@@fluffycamo Probably the same thought as the idiot who cut it down. lame.

[@Red-32]

About time it seem

[@ArchieBurnett-qn9gt]

I am absolutely livid with this news. My dad loved the Robin Hood film from the 90s, with that tree especially, and that was such an iconic moment in the film. Hopefully justice can be served and a memorial can be made in this icons honour

[@LordCicad]

It was accidentally marked for felling. They realised they f’d up afterwards and scarpered!

[@danellemoore1461]

Gut wrenching. I am so sorry to the folks of Northumberland for this senseless loss. That poor tree. WTH?

[@tiwled]

Can't believe this ...went to see this tree a few months back ...what a beautiful and iconic landmark. Feeling really sad 😢

[@eli_chaps]

Tree: I have lived for hundred of years Kid: get the chainsaw

[@oldtimegamer2.098]

I am starting to think if the person who have cut down that tree might not care about the tree itself if they have that mindset that another tree can always be planted

[@caveydavey2486]

Professional job by an experienced tree feller with professional equipment. No way was this a 16 year olds act of mindless vandalism. A patsy at best.

[@andrewdaley5480]

My bullshxxt detector went off straight away. 🇬🇧

[@gumpysee3644]

it looks that way even cut the wedge into it.looks like a pro job

[@waylingtons]

Maybe a kid on an apprenticeship who recently got access to tools.

[@apexjunky]

Cuts aren't pro cuts

[@naomidarling1770]

Yep!

[@Tao_Tology]

I would hope that no one actually believes for even a second that a 16 year old, alone, cut down that tree.

[@gordonthomson7533]

Really? 16 isn't actually a child. A 16yr old boy is basically a young man, physically. Stop mollycoddling these gits or anyone else. Furthermore, it's the teens who are demonstrating the most antisocial and broken behaviour in this country right now. They've never been made to suffer the consequence of their actions, presumably due to adults with your pathetic way of looking at the world. Cutting down this tree Zombie knife slayings in London Crying victim at every opportunity Drug taking without recompense Fighting (breaking noses, etc) in classrooms in front of teachers who just sit there Online bullying Narcissism to the max Extreme entitlement Etc etc etc etc

[@CRich-ti5ws]

I don't think he did it with an axe mate

[@Tao_Tology]

@@CRich-ti5ws Who said anything about an axe?

[@gordonthomson7533]

@@Tao_Tology he assumed you must mean with an axe because it's obvious a 16yr old male can happily use a chainsaw if slightly familiar.

[@imthebadguy3225]

@@gordonthomson7533 They are saying it was a 16 year old so they don't have to give a description. Get it?

[@romankatz982]

This tree survived 300 years of existence, through all the turbulence of historical events, then is killed right now. What was the purpose of this teenager to destroy something so amazing and beautiful that graced the environment for so long? A society that creates someone like this must wonder why.

[@doltBmB]

it's not a teenager, probably an immigrant

[@Scratchingforcash]

Geez oh man, please start telling your children “no”. This is what happens when your kids go around doing anything they want. He probably did for “views” on some platform.

[@CricketEngland]

Their is no way one 16 year old cut down this tree, it would take more than 1 person to do it.

[@amnal3983]

How could a teenage vandal cut down an entire tree? What teenager has the equipment to do this?

[@pleasantville4529]

A travelling teenager perhaps.

[@orianthi_elys]

Yea, thats what i wondered... 😢

[@leaf2180]

A chainsaw is only a couple hundred dollars. It's not that difficult, lol.

[@andrewjones-productions]

@@leaf2180 The UK's currency is not dollars. In any case, what may be a couple of hundred dollars where you live, isn't necessarily of an equivalent value/price in the UK.

[@naomidarling1770]

not a tree that size, and that is a professional job, and was already sprayed. @@Ian1-ct9pd

[@toosense]

So many beautiful and historical things being destroyed worldwide for no reason at all. Heartbreaking.

[@lewssss]

I wish people cared this much about other trees

[@simonleeofficial]

well finally I find the comment!!!!

[@amiek9226]

How absolutely awful! I don’t understand why someone would do something like this. Losing an iconic landmark is heartbreaking. Years ago, a man cut down the Golden Spruce in Haida Gwaii. The tree was a rare genetic anomaly and its like will never be seen again. My heart goes out to the people of Northumbria over the loss of their own special tree. 🙏

[@mosseisleyYT]

Its like is being grown at the University of British Columbia, from cuttings taken in 1976. It will be a while, though, before it is as big as the one that was mindlessly felled.

[@lif6737]

Not to turn this into a monetary thing but considering the immense value as a local cultural icon and tourist attraction, this shouldn’t just be a simple vandalism charge with a slap on the wrist. I think this kid should be paying for the immense damage this has caused for the locals. Make him pay it off for years of his life so he can think about how much this prank costed him.

[@vvelvettearss]

I agree. One day he will grows up he will come to realise what it means to be so utterly heart wrenched by the loss of something sacred and beloved to millions of people and how heartless and cruel taking it away in a minute of a senseless act from everybody who holds it dear can be and will have that on his conscious. If he does have a conscious. This is so so sad

[@nevilledavy1727]

Firstly unlikely a single 16 year old boy cut the tree down. I would say that should use the same legislation as america when someone cuts down a tree on neighbours land. It's supposed to be 3 times the value of the tree. A near 300 hundred year old tree with its heritage. The parents should have raised their kid better and should pay too. There needs to be some accountability fpr their actions financially and should be forced to work 300 to 3000 hours community service. It's a heritage site on national trust land and a tourist sight so there will be a loss of income to businesses in the area so the family of this POS should be forced to pay compensation ontop of hundreds or thousands of hours of community service.

[@depea1]

This just shows how low some people in society have reached and how the country is spiralling into complete meltdown 🤷‍♂️

[@allenharris1069]

This is the way society is heading. No parental control, no discipline, no respect! Why is a teenager out at night with a chainsaw ? Who's next on the felling list?

[@BarghestOne]

Nah this is some racial attack against white folk i think.

[@paulatreides0777]

People

[@ToCoSo]

Such a bizarre act

[@rainb1750]

😂

[@Mini-Magpie]

​@@rainb1750what's Funny?

[@dafuzzymonster]

Some people just wanna watch the world burn

[@croiners4166]

This is why we can’t have nice things 😢

[@ToCoSo]

@@dafuzzymonster yeah they really do!

[@plasmaastronaut]

side note: when about 15-20 years ago the supermarkets cut down all the ancient sweet chestnut tree woods around britain, hardly anyone gave a s.... and it wasn't covered by the mass media. my grandad was sad though. You can buy a bag of about 30 sweet chestnuts in Sainsbury's for about £3, but u can't collect a bin-liner full of them from the woods anymore.

[@user-le4uq7ns5f]

Too many anti-social people about. Extremely harsh action should be taken against whoever did this purely because they obviously intended to inflict their sickness on as many people as possible.

[@gratitude1061]

No 16 year old could cut this beautiful tree down ,professional job 😡😡😡😭

[@justinkeefe3456]

Really sorry about your tree, senseless. With love from USA

[@omarperalta1014]

Is a sign of the times, if this could be cut down, imagine the rest of the trees in the planet. We deserve this heat

[@mayahussain1]

I remember the scene in Robin Hood clearly. It's such a beautiful old tree that survived centuries. Why would someone do this? Feels like a murder. I'm upset by it. 😢😢😢

[@samsungcrossland2036]

How many trees have councils cut down for no reason and not one person bats an eye

[@native-american9049]

Well said bro - Sheffield was decimated for 5g! Wish people had the same passion for the devastation of our high st / communities etc.

[@yerhan1572]

The scotish snp party cut down millions of trees

[@poultryfaarm]

Yep. Some (not me, I don’t want any trouble now…) might interpret this as social commentary about a lack of concern regarding other trees, for example HS2 decimated acres of ancient native woodland…. Either that or something else 🤷‍♂️ It’s probably a Banksy or something

[@harryboy3305]

Sad act of vandalism. But how many trees have been destroyed to build HS 2 . Vandalism on a mass scale by our government

[@thomasjosullivan9179]

So sorry for you loss, it is another sign of the hopeless situation we face with the stupidity of mankind. Beautiful old trees are being cut all over the world, we who love trees must do more.....but I cannot say what. Sad here in the west of Ireland

[@tonywright8294]

Sorry for your loss ! It’s a tree ?

[@thomasjosullivan9179]

@@tonywright8294 Yes it is an important iconic tree, loved by millions. Some people will go and enjoy a few cigarettes, have a few beers with them. Throw your cigarette butts on the ground and cans on their cans over the hedge. What is a tree to them.

[@RpattoYT]

How we respond will determine how lost our civilization is. The response to this need not be rash.

[@pigeon1923]

​@@tonywright8294why do you sound like the damn Once-ler 😭 you really must hate nature

[@KW-ro5ow]

​@@tonywright8294for some it's not just a tree. It's where people have scattered ashes, where people go to remember their loved ones.

[@tomboyjessie1352]

I'm American, but I feel awful for the tree and the people that live by it. Who could've done such an terrible thing to such a historical landmark?

[@meemz7098]

Evil is trying to take hold in our world. Fight it tooth and nail!!!! This is a sign to stand up against evil.

[@mervinprone]

I just can’t believe anybody would do that. Incredibly sad.

[@imthebadguy3225]

*HASAN CHOP!* 👳🏾

[@alexverdigris9939]

The root will remain alive for some time, and likely sprout new saplings. When these do emerge, will need protection from rodents until will grow to be established. These would need some management, but a new tree from the same root is achievable. It would take many decades to have a large tree in place, though.

[@Foghornish]

My thoughts exactly. A sycamore sap can grow upto 10 feet in its first year. I pray it will live on and grow into another healthy tree!

[@herpsmaltwatta]

​@@CarrotCrunchingWabbit never visited have you ?

[@futurez12]

I'm surprised the little s**t didn't pour acid on the remaining stump.

[@we2areborg]

If proven guilty, that person should be forced to plant 10,000 trees.

[@johnthomas9992]

At his own cost I hope

[@stevejohnson7132]

I think one outcome is for sure. If this kid's publicly identified, he's toast. It's over for him.

[@michaelc3977]

They won't show the colour of his face.

[@Theforestbandit]

The Tree is as famous as the wall and visited by people from all over the world . the punishment should be to pay for a replacement in full, and four full years in jail with no remission or parole.

[@poultryfaarm]

Such an oddly specific sentence 😂 I wonder how much it would cost to replace it with a whole identical tree? I mean anything less wouldn’t be a replacement would it? You’d probably incur a toll on the environment far greater than the loss of the original tree during the process of finding, uprooting and transporting an identical tree to this spot, some might say that would be a Pyrrhic victory, but I say it’s the principle of the thing! 🧐

[@allanallen1835]

whoever it was just pissed off the entire population of the UK the melps.

[@alexb5815]

The English culture has been eroded to the point where no one has a sense of fair play or honour anymore - take care and live well

[@lorrainegatzke1048]

What on earth would motivate a person to do such a thing? Chop down a 300 year old tree 😢 I live in South Africa on the other side od the world. I have known about this tree since I was a child. Now I will never get to see it. 😢😢😢 Very sad

[@poppyrowland1385]

No mercy for this kid. None. And the parents too.

[@melvynparkerson9984]

He has not been charged yet .

[@xxuberxjasonxx3456]

If he's a TikToker, I would roast every TikTok star because of their broccoli hairstyle and that kid's bone structure face that looks almost like a ugly 30 year old muscled adult. What a joke lol

[@user-ug1cj2nd8y]

Teenager? I don't think so.

[@MRRBPOOL]

I am a woodworker and highly suspicious also

[@raintreerefuge4679]

Today is an age of careless vandals. Weak punishments no longer deters such behavior. If kids were locked for life and made an example to other kids, this wouldn't happen.

[@jonathansimmonds5784]

Bring back corporal punishment in schools.

[@LeonidasB9258]

I am truly disgusted and saddened by this crime. Note to all Brits; plant trees. My one quarter acre home plot here in Aurora Colorado has 20 trees. All planted by me by SEED. My condolences.

[@firstnamelastname-uq9hr]

Awww' thanks , were all hurting right now,so that a good idea.

[@danthewalkingmanen-dorsetg8521]

10 years or more in jail THIS MUST NOT BE TOLERATED AND A HATD EXAMPLE MUST BE MADE

[@danielwhyatt3278]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@Pemmont107]

Sadly he's a minor. He'll probably get a few months community service at most.

[@poultryfaarm]

@@Pemmont107 I bet they won’t even cut his head off. 😡

[@poultryfaarm]

Why only ten years? Why not… say… ten million!? 😡 😭

[@HouseOldSkoolRaver]

They only get 5 years for murder.

[@christophernewman5027]

This wasn't a simple act of vandalism. This was an attack on our culture...

[@Krader2121]

What upsets me the most is they’re not saying who did this. First it was vandals now it’s some old man. Still no name given though.

[@jacks3626]

If the boy is local i would imagine he was asked to do it or to take the blame. maybe someone didn't like all the tourist's 16 year old yobs don't normally have access to a chainsaws

[@pleasantville4529]

The plot thickens.

[@gregnewbrook7107]

I think your logic is warped. People take pride in their local history.

[@jacks3626]

​@@gregnewbrook7107 I agree and hope you're wright it just seems very suspicious, I've never seen a 16 year old with a chainsaw

[@metube9541]

And now there will be more tourists than ever. These idiots deserve all that’s coming to them. Can’t fix stupid!