A second man is arrested over the felling in England of a much-loved tree near Hadrian’s Wall

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A second individual has been apprehended in connection with the felling of a revered 300-year-old tree situated near the historic Hadrian’s Wall in northeastern England. British law enforcement authorities, following the release on bail of a 16-year-old suspect, announced the arrest of a man in his 60s, who is currently undergoing questioning while in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies expressed the sentiment of the local and global community, stating, “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark, and a local treasure, has quite rightly resulted in an outpouring of shock, horror, and anger throughout the North East and further afield.” She emphasized the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this matter and their unwavering commitment to identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

The 16-year-old was taken into custody on Thursday on suspicion of criminal damage following the overnight destruction of the tree. The motive behind such an act, which has left people across the United Kingdom bewildered and incensed, remains a perplexing question.

Renowned nature writer Robert Macfarlane expressed his profound dismay upon hearing the news about the tree, which had earned a special place in the hearts of millions. He stated, “I just see this as part of a piece with a much broader hostile environment towards the living world in this country.” The tree had served as a site for various significant events, including the scattering of ashes, marriages, and as a sanctuary for weary travelers. Macfarlane proposed the idea of planting a new forest in honor of the fallen tree, a symbol of the connection between people and nature.

The incident draws attention to the environmental challenges facing Britain, a nation that has witnessed extensive deforestation due to centuries of industrialization and urbanization. The now felled tree was a prominent feature along Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed nearly two millennia ago during the Roman Empire’s rule over Britain to protect its northwestern borders.

Generations of walkers and tourists have paused to admire and capture photographs of the tree at Sycamore Gap, which gained fame through its appearance in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film, “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.”

The National Trust, an organization dedicated to safeguarding England’s heritage and natural landscapes for over a century, is actively working to secure the site and provide support to the affected community and its staff in the aftermath of this distressing incident.

While experts hold some hope for the tree’s potential regrowth, they caution that it will never fully regain its former glory. Rob Ternent, head gardener at The Alnwick Garden nearby, noted, “It’s worth a try, but I think livestock and wildlife will potentially damage it as well.” He mentioned that the first signs of recovery might emerge in the spring, with the tree potentially reaching a height of about 8 feet (2.4 meters), albeit in a bushier form. However, considering its age of around 300 years, a return to its original size will be an arduous and lengthy process.

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More about fokus keyword: Tree Destruction Hadrian’s Wall

• BBC News: Second Arrest Over Sycamore Gap Tree Felling
• UNESCO: Hadrian’s Wall
• National Trust
• Robert Macfarlane – Nature Writer
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) – IMDb