Two people were very quickly arrested regarding the event, a sixteen-year-old boy and a 69-year-old farmer Walter Renwick, although both have been released on bail. Renwick has since spoken out about the incident saying he understands why people suspect him as a former lumberjack and a man who’s recently been evicted, even agreeing the conditions under which the tree was felled – by full moon and on a night with little wind – where perfect for the job, but that he is innocent.
The problem with convicting anyone is that the felling occurred in an area with officers thin on the ground. Officials attest that every tactic is being employed to find the person who did this but so far there has been no more arrests or leads that have been made public knowledge.
Regarding the tree, it has been confirmed there’s no chance at saving it or it eventually being restored to its former glory. At best the stump will sprout several stems and look like a small bush. Nothing like the impressive landmark that pre-existed this. Public response has generally been one of anger and astonishment; unsurprising when the tree is considered a landmark of the Northeast.
As the case develops attention has turned from the tree to Hadrian’s Wall itself and on the sixth of October it was revealed that a preliminary inspection has shown that the wall has been damaged. Hadrian’s Wall is protected as a scheduled monument. This makes the destruction not only senseless but lasting as its damaged the historical monument permanently.
In the spirit of hopefulness however Kieran Chapman, a young man who intended to walk his dog past the sight over the weekend, made the treck to the sight with a sapling sycamore and planted it next to the original. Although the act was kind it is against the law to alter a UNESCO World Heritage Site without government consent and as such the sapling has been removed. There were also concerns about the wall being damaged when the sapling grew. The National Trust has recognised the act as one made in good faith and are reportedly in discussions with Chapman to find a more appropriate spot.
The general outpouring of feeling has been very heartening to see in light of the events. The investigation will continue and hopefully something will come up or the person responsible will own up to cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree. Currently The National Trust are asking people to leave the site alone so police can conduct their investigation.
