Two men have been charged with criminal damage in connection with the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree located next to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. Daniel Graham, 38, of Milbeck Stables, Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 31, of Wigton, Cumbria, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Graham pleaded not guilty, while Carruthers entered no plea.
The tree, famously photographed and a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, was felled on September 28, 2022. The damage to the tree has been valued at £622,191, with an additional £1,144 for damage caused to Hadrian’s Wall. Both men face two counts of criminal damage, one for the tree and one for the wall.
The case was deemed too serious for the magistrates' court and has been referred to Newcastle Crown Court, where the next hearing will occur on June 12. Graham and Carruthers were released on unconditional bail.
The Sycamore Gap tree had stood for 200 years and was a major attraction for visitors and photographers. The National Trust, which owns the land, has expressed hope for the tree’s revival through salvaged seeds and cuttings.