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Sycamore Gap has been crowned England’s Tree of the Year, after winning a fifth of the votes cast in the Woodland Trust’s annual poll.
The Northumberland tree is nestled within a dip in the landscape along Hadrian’s Wall.
The tree, which is cared for by the National Trust, is known as the ‘Robin Hood tree’ following a cameo appearance in the early-’90s Hollywood classic Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
More than 2,500 people voted for Sycamore Gap in the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year poll.
Having been crowned England’s favourite tree, the sycamore will receive a care grant of £1,000. The grant can be used to arrange a health check from an arboriculturalist, provide interpretation or educational materials or hold a celebratory event in honour of the tree.
‘Sycamore Gap is included within the six miles of Hadrian’s Wall that the National Trust cares for, with the help from members, donations and visitors.’
ANDREW POAD
General manager at the National Trust’s Hadrian’s Wall
Sycamore Gap will also be entered into the European Tree of the Year competition in early 2017.
‘The National Trust looks after lots of important trees including a 2,500 year old Ankerwycke Yew near Runnymede in Surrey and Newton’s Apple, which triggered the great scientist to form his laws of gravity. The Robin Hood tree has become an iconic image for Northumberland and is a wonderful stop-off point for those walking alongside the Wall.
‘The grant will be used to better understand the health of the tree and take any remedial actions required to protect its roots, which are increasingly becoming exposed due to the number of people passing under its boughs to experience this stunning landscape. As with all of the trees we care for, we want to protect it for future generations to enjoy.’
ANDREW POAD
General manager at the National Trust’s Hadrian’s Wall
The National Trust looks after ancient and notable trees across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Rangers, foresters and volunteers have identified over 30,000 ancient trees at National Trust places.
They include the 2,500-year-old Ankerwycke Yew, under whose boughs it is believed the Magna Carta was signed in 1215, and the apple tree at Lincolnshire’s Woolsthorpe Manor that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery of gravity.
Click here to find out more about Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year competition.
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