ONE of the North East's much-loved icons will be commemorated in a public display later this year.

The Sycamore Gap tree, which was unlawfully felled in September 2023, was a tourist attraction that drew in visitors worldwide to see its striking appearance on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall.

The 50ft tree stood in the most photographed spot of Northumberland National Park and was one of the most photographed trees in the world, following its Hollywood appearance in Kevin Costner's 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Since it was felled, the National Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority have worked with Historic England and The Hadrian’s Wall Partnership to ensure a fitting legacy for both nature and people following this act of vandalism.

READ MORE: Overview: What happened to the Northumberland Sycamore Gap Tree?

The partners announced in March the largest section of the tree will go on display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre in September.

Chief executive officer of Northumberland National Park Authority, Tony Gates, said: “The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree has shown just how much nature and landscape mean to people, to their very wellbeing.  

"As stewards of the legacy of Sycamore Gap, the partners have been humbled by the outpouring of love and emotion for the tree. We understand the diversity of opinions surrounding a future legacy and are committed to navigating this journey with the utmost care and respect. We are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding.  

"We are determined to honour the spirit of Sycamore Gap through opportunities to connect with the tree, and to create a legacy for both people and nature.” 

The national park is deciding what to do at the original site but is asking the public to share ideas at sycamoregap@nnpa.org.uk.  

Suggestions so far include leaving the stump to regrow and organisations are exploring new ways to support tree planting and habitat creation, with an initial focus on the Hadrian’s Wall landscape.  

In December, the National Trust shared they are closely monitoring the seeds and material collected from the original tree – which are being cared for at the charity’s specialist plant conservation centre. 

Another suggestion is to create a space for reflection.

The tree on display at The Sill will provide the public with a lasting connection to Sycamore Gap and the countless memories made there. 

Northumberland National Park Authority will announce a creative commission in the coming weeks which will involve working with local schools and seeking the public's views.  

An event, shaped by local voices, is proposed to commemorate the anniversary of the felling of the tree in September.

The final key suggestion for the site is to work with artists. The felled tree was cut into sections for removal from the site and the timber has since been treated and stored to ensure it can be repurposed in future by artists, in collaboration with the public, including schools, community groups and individuals.

Various creative commissions will be announced over the coming months, and the public will be asked to help shape these.   

Andrew Poad, general manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall said: “We have been incredibly grateful for the support and comments that we’ve received over the last five months – thank you to everyone who has been in touch. It’s been important for us to read through each and every one, and to take the time to think about how we respond in ways that are fitting to this landscape and to the people who loved this tree.  

"I have worked at Hadrian’s Wall for 35 years, and to hear about so many people’s personal connections to the tree – from marriage proposals to the scattering of ashes – has been a moving experience.  

"Over the course of this year, we’ll be sharing more ideas and more opportunities for our local communities to help us create a legacy for the people of Northumberland, and beyond.”