Eight new shoots emerge from Sycamore Gap stump | UK News

Eight new shoots were found growing from the stump of the felled Sycamore Gap tree, the National Trust said.

The shoots have emerged from the base of the stump, raising hopes that the historic tree will survive 10 months after it was illegally cut down.

The new growth consists of small new shoots that have one and six small leaves measuring between 2-4 cm tall.

The National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority hope the shoots will develop significant growth and form “new” trees around the original stump.

National park ranger Gary Pickles, who found the shoots, said: “It was by chance that I decided to walk to Sycamore Gap to receive a guided walk planned for September, almost a year before the anniversary.

“I’ve done this walk several times in the last year, but this time it was different, there was something new – the trunk showed signs of regeneration.

“I was the first to arrive at the scene when the tree was discovered felled and I remember hurriedly saying it was gone. Now, I hope I can say she’s back.

“My job as a ranger on Hadrian’s Wall Path is to preserve the past. So, in my mind, I had relegated the tree to history and I’m surprised and delighted that it might have a future after all, and is succeeding. .”

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All shoots must grow

Andrew Poad, general manager of the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall, said: “The tree was a mature, vigorous tree in its prime when it was felled, so there was always potential for the stump to regenerate and it is fantastic to see the new growth.

“Our goal is to let all eight shoots grow for a few years – to see how they develop.

“In time we will be able to decide how to manage the tree – such as a bench cut or consider whether to reduce it to a single tree at some point in the future.

“We will also do what we can to protect the root zone and avoid any compaction.”

Next weeks and months ‘vitally important’

The public was urged not to touch the sprouts.

Poad said: “The next few weeks and months are vitally important to the success of these buds forming on the reinvigorated tree.

“We respectfully ask that any visitors to the site stay away from the stump and not touch the shoots.

“We appreciate that this site is special to many people, but we ask people not to leave ash in the area – whether on the stump or in the surrounding soil – as it can significantly harm the growing process by limiting the absorption of essential nutrients. from soil.”

The seedlings continue to bloom

The Sycamore Gap tree was among the most photographed trees in the UK and was made famous in a scene in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

Saplings taken after the tree was felled continue to flourish at the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre.

The seedlings will possibly be planted in the next two years.

Two men will appear in court on August 27, accused of causing criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian’s Wall.