
Public votes on the future of the felled Sycamore Gap tree's wood artwork
Public votes on the future of the felled Sycamore Gap tree's wood artwork
- The Sycamore Gap tree was illegally cut down by two individuals in September 2023, leading to public outrage.
- The National Trust invited artists to create artwork from the tree's wood, starting a public voting process for six shortlisted proposals.
- Voting results are expected to honor the emotional significance of the tree and engage the public in future discussions about its legacy.
Story
In September 2023, the Sycamore Gap tree, a historical landmark situated along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, England, was illegally felled by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers. This act of vandalism shocked the nation and sparked significant public outrage, leading to the jailing of the perpetrators for over four years each due to their criminal damage. The National Trust began a campaign to decide the future of the tree’s wood, inviting artists and organizations to propose ideas for an artwork that would honor the tree’s legacy. Through a public voting initiative that commenced on March 14, 2026, people were asked to select from six distinct proposals designed to preserve the story and symbolism of the tree for future generations. The final decision will weigh public votes, contributing 30% towards the outcome, with a judging panel of experts determining the remaining 70%. The public's input aims to reflect the emotional connection many had to the Sycamore Gap tree, celebrated for its cultural importance and personal significance throughout its history. The selected artwork will encapsulate the community's memories and experiences related to the tree, as well as engage in broader conversations about environmental issues. The final artwork is expected to be completed by 2028, as efforts continue to commemorate the historical landmark.