New shoots from the stump?: Illegally felled “Robin Hood” tree can be saved

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The tree, picturesquely located near the “Sycamore Gap” depression, is “very healthy” so that new shoots can grow from its stump like a so-called cane, said Andrew Poad, chairman of the National Trust. Meanwhile, a 16-year-old man suspected of felling the more than 200-year-old tree was released on bail on Friday.

The plane tree, which stood 60 kilometers west of Newcastle in northeast England, was apparently felled deliberately on Thursday’s stormy night. Because of its commanding location on the edge of the Roman Hadrian’s Wall, the tree was the setting for a pivotal scene in the 1991 Kevin Costner film “Robin Hood.”

Investigations in full swing

Northumbria Police have charged the 16-year-old, who has now been provisionally released, with criminal damage. Investigators said Thursday they were still at the beginning of their work on the “senseless crime” and were investigating in all directions.

Hikers discovered the cut down tree on Thursday morning. As AFP reporters observed on the spot, the plane tree had been sawn through, the cut resembling that of a chainsaw. The tree had fallen on the wall of Hadrian, who was walking next to it, and only the stump was left standing. Marks with white paint were also visible on the stump.

National Trust boss Poad told the BBC that if new shoots were to sprout from the stump and it was possible to support their growth, this would be “one of the best possible scenarios”. Poad added: “Then we can save the tree.”

(AFP)

Source: Blick