Sycamore Gap, Northumberland (is it growing again?)
Sycamore Gap tree (which stood in a dip next to Hadrian’s Wall) was recently cut down in an act of eco-vandalism. This drunken act of stupidity cost two men over 4 years of their lives, recently imprisoned.
Situated in the wonderfully-named village of Once Brewed, the stump has recently sprung eight new shoots, a hopeful sign of coming back to life. Authorities ask people not to leave stones or tributes, as this could disturb the roots (even stepping on the soil could damage the tree’s chance of recovery).
Sycamore trees (along with yew and oak) are toxic to pets, barnyard friends and horses.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
Sycamore trees have puzzle-like bark and grow very fast, living up to 500 years. The bark sheds in patches to protect from pollution, insects and fungi, and in autumn produce fuzzy brown balls (fruit) that break apart into wind-dispersed seeds.
These trees have large hollow trunks, which provide homes for birds, bats and insects. They often can be found alongside streams and rivers, although London’s plane sycamore is a hybrid, often planted due to being resistant to pollution.
The good thing was that the whole of England was sad about a felled tree, something that often does not happen. Nobody in the media batted an eyelid when England’s second oldest pear tree in Worcestershire, was felled for HS2 project, which will do nothing to prevent climate change.
