Park authorities have determined that one of Britain’s most famous trees will go on public display after being felled in a ‘malicious act of vandalism’ last year.
Northumberland National Park said the largest section of the tree that once stood at Sycamore Gap will go on display at a nearby tourist attraction, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
The tree was part of the Hadrian’s Wall Unesco world heritage site, where it had stood for many decades to the delight of walkers, photographers and wedding proposals.
It even featured in a shot from Kevin Costner’s 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Tony Gates, chief executive officer of Northumberland National Park, told MailOnline: ‘The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree has shown just how much nature and landscape mean to people and to their very wellbeing.
‘As stewards of the legacy of Sycamore Gap, the partners have been humbled by the outpouring of love and emotion for the tree.
‘We understand the diversity of opinions surrounding a future legacy and are committed to navigating this journey with the utmost care and respect.
‘We are grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding.’
The authority says it has received more than 2,000 heartfelt messages of support and condolences from all over the world since the tree was cut down last September.
Two weeks after it was felled, what remained of the tree was cut up and moved away by crane for safekeeping while police made their inquiries.
Several arrests have since been made, including 69-year-old former lumberjack Walter Renwick and a 16-year-old boy, who were both released after questioning.
After he was released, Mr Renwick described social media speculation about his purported role in the tree’s felling as ‘bloody ridiculous’.
He said: ‘It was a lovely tree, an iconic tree, but I mean, to go up there and cut that down – I’m not that stupid.’
Two other men, both in their 30s, were also detained and questioned in relation to the incident.
They remain on bail.
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