Sycamore Gap stump shows ‘astonishing’ signs of life 10 months after felling

Conservationists set to monitor eight emerging shoots as they grow to full-size

The Sycamore Gap stump is showing “astonishing” signs of life that could become new trees, the National Trust has said.
Eight shoots have emerged around the base of the landmark tree in Northumberland, 10 months after it was cut down in an act of vandalism.
The shoots were two to four centimetres in height, and had between one and six leaves, said the National Trust, which owns the tree and the section of Hadrian’s Wall where it had stood for more than a century.
Andrew Poad, the general manager at Hadrian’s Wall said: “We always had hope that nature would find a way to recover, and to see signs of life just 10 months on is astonishing.”
The new growths will be carefully monitored to see how they fare over the next few years before a decision is made on whether they will all grow to form a new multi-trunk tree, or whether conservationists will focus on supporting one of the shoots to grow to full size.
The National Trust is asking visitors to avoid the stump and not to touch the shoots to ensure they have the best chance of surviving and is expected to extend fencing around the site.
“The next few weeks and months are vitally important for the success of these shoots forming into the reinvigorated tree,” Mr Poad said.
The charity also asked people to refrain from using the site to scatter the ashes of their loved ones, after several instances in recent months.
“We appreciate what a special location this is to many people, but we are asking people not to leave ashes in the area – either on the stump or the surrounding ground – as they could significantly hinder the growing process by limiting the absorption of essential nutrients from the soil.”
Daniel Graham, 38, of Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 31, of Wigton have been charged with causing criminal damage to the sycamore and Hadrian’s Wall, which was allegedly damaged by the falling tree.
Both men have pleaded not guilty of the charges, which included £622,191 damage to the tree and £1,144 to Hadrian’s Wall. A trial will begin in December.
The discovery of the new shoots was made during routine checks by Gary Pickles, the Northumberland National Park Authority ranger who was the first to discover that the tree had been felled in September 2023.
He said: “It was serendipitous that I decided to walk up to Sycamore Gap to recce a guided walk planned for September, almost a year to the anniversary. I’ve done this walk several times over the last year, but this time it was different, there was something new – the trunk was showing signs of regeneration.
“I was first at the scene when the tree was discovered felled, and I remember saying hurriedly that it was gone. Now, I hope I can say that it’s back!
“My job as ranger for Hadrian’s Wall Path is all about conserving the past. So, in my head I had consigned the tree to history and so I am amazed and delighted that it may have a future after all and is making a go of it.”
The National Trust has been storing the felled trunk at a secret location and is cultivating new saplings from its offcuts, along with Northumberland National Park, Historic England and the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership.
It is hoped that the saplings will be ready to plant within two years and could grow into new sycamores.
Five prints created from a disc of the trunk went on display in July at four locations along Hadrian’s Wall.
The largest section of the felled tree will go on public display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland National Park on Sept 28.
Tony Gates, the chief executive officer of  Northumberland National Park said: “This is such welcome news and really demonstrates the power of nature to regenerate.
“I know this news will bring hope to many people and a smile to many faces and we will watch and wait to see how these shoots develop. I am genuinely intrigued to see what nature will give us.”