The end of an icon

END OF AN ICONIC LOCATION
28-9-23

The date 28-9-23 for many people from walkers photographers and hikers alike will live long in our memory, and unfortunately not for a good reason.

In a heart-breaking act of criminal damage, as the night fell into darkness over the fields looking over Northumberland stood an iconic location for many photographers as myself this location named "The Sycamore Gap Tree" 

But this was no ordinary night as the night in question would leave shockwaves nationwide come sunrise. With complete and utter disregard for the beautiful area and location an individual or individual's took it upon themselves to change the landscape forever. In an act that can only be described as selfish, unthinkable and harrowing they had taken what can only be described as a chainsaw to this grand icon that had stood the test of time for many many years.

To some this is only a tree but to many this was an iconic, memorable stop off point while taking on the Hadrian's Wall Walk this provided a welcome shade and shelter the harsh unforgiving weather conditions had thrown at them until this point them as well as a bucket list location for many many photographers and sightseers from all over the world.

The land that we are graced to walk on and the views that we are privileged to witness in this area and much much more in the British isles have long been here way before the human species even existed and will be here when we all depart, we do not own this land we are mere visitors for a short time. We must preserve nature for generations after us to appreciate as our ancestors did for us. The Sycamore Gap Tree will long have roots firmly planted at its final destination and will be visited by many many more after this awful act but unfortunately the landscape will forever be tarnished by the evening events.