Some idiot has felled Sycamore Gap tree

[Houseplanter]

I mean why. Why would someone do that.

What an absolutely awful thing to do.

It wasn't hacked down either though

There was an amazing photograph only last week of it with the Northern Lights behind.

Some people are disgusting.

On some of the pictures, it seems to show a white marker for the cut line. Now why would a random vandal put a white cut mark on a tree. My money is actually on some jobsworth type person, having permission from a different agency, and not engaging brain before doing the deed?

What if, for example, someone, somewhere, decided the tree was undermining the integrity of the wall, and ordered it to be felled, without consulting with National Trust etc?

All supposition but I can definitely see it as cock up not conspiracy.

Random vandals can also be skilled random vandals. You put the white line on there to ensure you are cutting straight and the tree doesn’t fall on you. It’s been cut with a chainsaw- that is a clean cut.

It’s only about 1km from the nearest road

Not sure they would do it in the dead of night, if that were the case.

Whoever's done it will be proud of themselves and will tell someone. Word will get out about whodunnit and I really wouldn't want to be that person. The strength of feeling over this is immense.

Bastards. I hope they know no peace and face justice for this. Mindless vandalism.

I live not too far, it’s sad. Absolute arseholes did this.

This was most definitely an act of vandalism, whether that vandal was instructed to do this from some official source or whether it was some random nutter acting alone. Depressing sign of our times.

I wonder if it was done by some dicks who are caught up in this idea that the National Trust is too 'woke' and need to be humbled.

What an awful thing to do

actually 'vandalism' feels far too mild a word. Desecration seems more fitting.

Why?! Ugh. Probably a joke to someone. Who has very few brain cells.

That’s awful. It was such a beautiful spot. People are vile.

Fuckers. If they try anything like that again I hope the tree falls on their heads.

So sad. I can't think of any possible reason why. Vandalism is one thing but chopping down an iconic tree...that's a step up from just vandalism.

It was 300 years old 😢.

I just don't get why, I really don't

A 16 year old boy has been arrested.

He should be jailed

The little shit should have every single one of his possessions destroyed with a chainsaw.

He won't be jailed, though. He'll get a little slap on the wrist and sent on his way.

Something must have gone very wrong in that kids life. I hope they get community service and that it involves tree planting. What a disgusting thing to do.

I said jailed. I meant so much worse

Arrested on 'suspicion of criminal damage' apparently. Ought to be 'being in possession of an offensive weapon' more like.

Where the hell did a child get a bloody chainsaw from?

16 is practically an adult, some are 6' 4" with full beards and a beer gut. Should be tied to a tree and publicly flogged. Bastard.