Sycamore Gap tree latest: Retired logger arrested for felling trees insists he ‘didn’t do it’

A retired logger said to have been arrested for cutting down a world-famous sycamore tree has insisted he “didn’t do it”.

Speculation has been rife about what happened to the famous tree since it was found next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland after it was cut down on Wednesday night.

Northumbria Police began searching the farm of former logger Walter Renwick, 69, on Friday evening, according to the British Daily Mail. times.

The pensioner’s daughter-in-law, Lauren, identified him as the man in his 60s who was arrested by police on Friday, saying: “He is in custody now.” [in Newcastle police station] For something he didn’t even do. “He’s got two leaky heart valves. He’s not fit enough to go up there.”

The 69-year-old denied accusations from local residents and online that he was behind the felling of the tree.

Mr. Renwick said the sun He understood why rumors were spreading about him, citing the nature of his previous job and his recent eviction from his property, but he insisted: “I didn’t do it.”

New shoots are expected to grow from the tree, but it will never be the same again, experts said.

Andrew Budd, director general of the National Trust, told BBC Breakfast the trunk was “healthy” and staff may be able to curl the tree, a technique that allows new shoots to grow from the base of the trunk.

Rob Ternent, head gardener at Alnwick Park in Northumberland, said the tree would start growing again but “it won’t be in the same shape or quality as the tree was”.

“It’s worth a try but I think livestock and wildlife would probably damage it too,” he said. “It would be very difficult to get it back to the original tree.”

“The growing season is coming to an end now, but by spring next year there will be some life in it. It will probably be about eight feet tall, but it will have a lot more individual branches and much denser.

“It was about 300 years old, so it will take a long time to get back to this size. It’s a huge shame.”

Hairy Biker Si King shared his anger with the vandal, describing the act as “murder”.

In a sign of optimism after the famous sycamore tree was cut down, experts suggested it could be saved.

In an incident that sparked widespread outrage, the world-famous tree, next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was cut down on Wednesday night.

However, all hope is not lost, according to Andrew Budd of the National Trust, who pointed to the health of the ancient sycamore tree, believed to be around 300 years old, as reason to believe the tree could grow again.

Tara Cobham has the full story here

Andrew Budd, director general of the National Trust, told BBC Breakfast the trunk was “healthy” and staff may be able to curl the tree, a technique that allows new shoots to grow from the base of the trunk.

“It’s a very healthy tree,” he said. “We can see now that, because of the condition of the trunk, it’s possible for it to grow back a bunch of trunk, and if we can take care of that, that could be one of the best outcomes, and then we keep the tree.”

Rob Ternent, head gardener at Alnwick Park in Northumberland, said the tree would start growing again but “it won’t be in the same shape or quality as the tree was”.

A felled sycamore tree, a tourist attraction, a movie location and a symbol of hope, has been many things to many people.

The 300-year-old natural beauty was one of the country’s most photographed trees and an iconic sight next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. However, it fell this week, sparking an outpouring of anger and grief, among activists and the public alike.

Read more about the tree’s story here

Sycamore Gap is one of the most photographed trees in the world, boasting a romantic location next to Hadrian’s Wall.

The tree is believed to be 300 years old and was planted between 1860 and 1890, according to the National Trust.

The tree played a starring role in the 1991 Hollywood film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” which starred Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, meaning it is also known as the “Robin Hood Tree.”

Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park, had to console visitors and staff who wept as they recalled the tree’s significance.

Many visitors reserve Sycamore Gap as a backdrop for important life moments, such as performances and first dates.

Mr. Gates, as stated in guardian He said: “I don’t want those memories to be ruined by a single act.” “I want people to still be able to celebrate those positive memories of Sycamore Gap.”

One artist shares his tribute to the tree that has been the subject of several commissioned art pieces.

Alfie Joy said the act of vandalism was more “reckless” than tagging the Angel of the North.