Key Facts
• September 2023: 100+ year-old sycamore tree illegally felled in Northumberland.
• Tree located near Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Known as ‘Robin Hood’s Tree’ from the 1991 film starring Kevin Costner.
• Two men, aged 39 and 32, arrested for cutting the tree with a chainsaw.
• Tree’s trunk measured approximately 90 cm in diameter.
• July 15, 2025: Both suspects sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison.
• Judge cited ‘bravado’ as a key motive but noted unclear overall intent.
• Defendants exchanged photos of the felled tree and public outrage on social media.
• Defense claimed it was ‘drunken foolishness’; prosecution argued it required planning.
• Incident sparked widespread anger and public interest in the UK.
Summary
In September 2023, a sycamore tree over a century old, famously known as ‘Robin Hood’s Tree,’ was illegally cut down near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, England. The tree, a popular tourist attraction, was felled by two men using a chainsaw. On July 15, 2025, the suspects, aged 39 and 32, were sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison for criminal damage. The judge highlighted ‘bravado’ as a primary motive, though the exact intent remains unclear. The defendants reportedly shared images of the felled tree and public outrage on social media. While the defense argued it was an act of drunken recklessness, the prosecution emphasized the planning involved. The incident provoked significant public anger and drew attention to the tree’s cultural and historical significance.
