A man accused of felling Northumberland’s iconic Sycamore Gap tree claims he was ‘framed’ for the crime, sparking questions about ancient woodland management and law enforcement.
A man accused of felling a famous sycamore tree in Northumberland, England has claimed that he was being ‘framed‘ for the crime.
The tree, known as Sycamore Gap, became an iconic symbol after it featured in the Netflix series Outlander.
Sycamore Gap is a stunning tree-lined gorge located in Northumberland, England.
The site features a row of towering sycamore trees that stand approximately 100 feet tall.
This natural wonder has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century and was made famous by its appearance in the 1991 film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.'
Visitors can walk through the gorge and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

The man, who remains unnamed, allegedly told police that he had permission to fell the tree and that someone else was trying to make him look guilty. However, authorities have confirmed that the tree was felled without permission.
In 2018, a court heard that the tree had been protected by a by-law since 1980, which prohibited the removal of certain trees in the area. The man claimed that he had obtained the necessary permits and had permission from landowners to fell the tree.
The incident has raised questions about the management of ancient woodland and the role of law enforcement in protecting these areas.