Last week, the people of Northumberland and beyond were mourning the loss of Sycamore Gap, a 300-year-old tree by Hadrian's Wall that was immortalised in endless holiday snaps, Hollywood movies and treasured memories.
Many took to social media to express their grief over the landmark, which was ‘deliberately felled’ on Wednesday, September 27, while others paid tribute by visiting the site in person. But Kieran Chapman, a vehicle repair specialist from Newcastle, decided to take the dedications one step further and planted a sapling near the destroyed tree to honour its legacy.
The 27-year-old told the Newcastle Chronicle that he had installed the sapling on Friday to ‘restore people’s faith in humanity, bring a smile back to people’s faces and just give them a bit of hope’. Despite the lovely sentiment, it was removed by the National Trust within two days.
The organisation acknowledged Chapman’s good intentions but said that the baby sycamore needed to be removed because of the site’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
A spokesperson from the National Trust thanked the public for its support and strength of feeling but added: ‘It’s important for everyone to remember that the site is a scheduled ancient monument and a globally important archaeological setting, with UNESCO world heritage designation, and that altering or adding to it can damage the archaeology, and is unlawful without prior consent from government.’
They also said that the National Trust is now working with Chapman to find a more appropriate planting spot, so hopefully his gesture will not have been totally in vain.
Take a look at these pictures of the (now destroyed) Sycamore Gap in all its glory.
Plus: the National Trust is giving out free tickets to over 500 UK attractions.
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