The Sycamore Gap tree, which was cut down in an act of vandalism in September, is being removed from its original site at Hadrian’s Wall.

The tree first had to be cut into pieces as it weighed 3-4 tonnes. A crane has been brought in remove the trunk.

The tree’s stump has been protected, as a second tree could grow from the remaining stump.

On 27 September, the Sycamore Gap tree, which watched over Hadrian’s Wall for more than 200 years, was cut down in an act of vandalism. In response, interior design firm Studio Dean is donating a portion of sales from its wallpaper range inspired by the local landscape to help protect the area from further harm.

The tree in the Northumberland National Park was known to millions of people around the world, thanks to its appearance in the 1991 blockbuster film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. Voted English Tree of the Year in 2016, it was located in a dramatic dip in the landscape and a popular photographic subject.

But overnight on 27 September, the tree was illegally felled, leading to an outpouring of love and sadness over such a wanton act of vandalism.

Act of vandalism

“For nearly 200 years, the iconic sycamore tree stood tall as a striking image at Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort in Northumberland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” the National Trust said in a statement. “We’re very grateful for all the offers of support we’ve received from people in the North East of England and much further afield. It’s clear this tree was special to many people.”

One such offer of support is from the team at Studio Dean interior designers. The firm’s Evolved collection of luxury wallpapers are inspired by its native Northumberland’s iconic forests and countryside.

In response to the Sycamore Gap tree felling, Studio Dean has brought forwards plans to donate 5% of profits from each wallpaper sale to the National Trust to support Northumberland National Park and the local community.

Natural beauty

CEO & Founder of Studio Dean Cathy Dean (pictured below) was born in Northumberland, and the area’s natural beauty has always strongly influenced her interior design.

“My locally based team and I have had a deep love and connection with the Northumberland forests all our lives. We’ve always felt we can do more to protect to our environment, and the Sycamore Gap felling has made us realise that we should all do what we can right now.”

The wallpapers were designed using leaves, feathers, bark and other patterns found in the forests near Studio Dean’s HQ at Northumberland stately home Dissington Hall.

Several of the papers – Athalia, Sylva, Asteria and Xylo – are based on local leaves and trees and are becoming increasingly sought after during the recent ‘forestcore’ trend. The firm’s team regularly use the wallpapers in their high-end interior design projects.

The Hali and Kairi papers are based on chunky weave natural fabric such as jute. They come in a range of nature-inspired colours that add warmth and texture to walls with a subtle, timeless elegance.

Prices start at £120 per roll. All papers are printed to order on FSC-certified paper using water-based ink to eliminate waste and pollution.

“We love and are inspired by trees and nature and want to replicate their beauty in people’s homes, while protecting the original source,” Dean explains.