Friday 29 September 2023

Sycamore Gap at Hadrian's Wall

Hello Friends.

By now, many of you will have seen the devastating news about the three hundred year old tree  at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall.  

For those who have not heard, please read this 

This is what I have just written on Facebook.

I was never fortunate enough to visit and see this tree in person. However, like so many people this morning I am filled with a variety of emotions over the wanton destruction of this beautiful, natural and living landmark. In recent minutes these emotions of anger, dismay, disbelief, and more are being replaced by an overriding thought. What if we all channel these emotions that we are feeling over one single tree and focus them on our one precious planet? We are just as guilty as the 16 year old boy who has been charged with vandalism against the single tree. We are just as guilty, but on a much larger scale, for we are doing exactly the same thing. to our own beautiful planet. Think about it.

Until next time
Stay safe, stay well
Debbie xx

18 comments:

  1. A very thought provoking post Debbie and yes you are of course right. I don't think the Govt has helped either with all the delaying of various measures and approving things that are all so horrendous for climate change and the biodiversity crisis were are suffering. Going back to the tree - I saw a suggestion somewhere (perhaps Twitter) that if everyone upset about the Hadrian Gap sycamore planted a tree some good may perhaps come of that wanton act of destruction.

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    1. Thank you Caroline. there is hope that as the tree stump appears to be very healthy, that the tree can regenerate. It wouldn't be quite the same. but it would be part of the original, not some ready grown young replacement.
      There are going to be many questions to ask about this. How did it happen? What motive did the boy have? and more importantly how on Earth did he get there carrying a heavy chainsaw? It isn't a short step from the nearest car park and from the looks of that cut, which appears to go cleanly across the diameter of the trunk, he had quite a sizeable chainsaw. Was he alone? If so, doubly stupid as chainsaws are notorious for kicking and causing a very nasty injury.

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  2. This is so true, my friend! It's so sad what is happening to our beautiful planet. Each one of us can do more! We were so sad to hear of this devastasting event at Sycamore Gap. As you know, Grayden and I have visited this gorgeous spot and we both can't believe this senseless act occured to this beautiful tree! I feel that all trees are monuments to our history and this one was quite special! May it be a lesson that we all can do better to save our home.

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    1. Thank you my friend. Yes, I thought you and Grayden had visited here. Senseless does not begin to cover it. When you consider the location, a 16 year old boy with a chainsaw, how did he get to the remote location without a car? Did he have an accomplice? Definitely he went there with but a single purpose, so a premeditated crime. Malice aforethought!

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  3. That boy has really comitted a crime in my eyes. But you are right, we all share the blame for the destruction of the planet and the climate changes and much more. Well said, Deb! Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thank you my friend. A brutal crime indeed. Hugs.

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  4. I agree with you and what we are doing to our planet. That is all about money. This tree seems so much more personal though - and its felling so pointless. Why? Why not just let it live and be enjoyed and be special to so many people.

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    1. Thank you. ever since writing this, I have thought about little else. One other thing that has come to mind is that no one has been arrested for the wanton vandalism and destruction of ancient woodlands and forests enacted in the name of HS2!!!

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  5. It is so very sad. I was only there last month. And I agree, I think the outpouring of grief is just as much over what this action of vandalism represents.
    Although this tree can never be replaced, I believe there are several possibilities being discussed. Xx

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    1. You are so lucky to have seen it in person. The story is starting to unfold in the press. I hope we get answers!

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  6. I was so saddened by this ...
    The story is still being reported on and many are hoping that in time the tree can regenerate, I certainly hope so.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you Jan. I think we all hope the tree will regenerate. In the meantime, I think they need to consider very carefully how to proceed.

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  7. The destruction of that tree, the patrimony of an entire nation - of the world, in fact - is an affront to everyone, and a tragedy of great proportions. I hope the young idiot who did it receives very serious punishment.

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    1. At this point in time, we are unsure it was a young idiot as you succinctly put it, as currently, a man in his 60s is in custody. in connection with this crime and the youth has been released on bail. I am sure the punishment will be appropriate for this is amongst other things a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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  8. There was a big story on this on national public radio this week. I was so sad to hear it.

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    1. There seems to be an outpouring of grief and outrage globally, for this very special tree..

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  9. It is senseless isn't it. So little respect is being given to our green spaces as houses and windmils pop up. Such a shame when there are areas that could be redeveloped for housing with carving uo the countryside but for developers it's easier to use green spaces rather than to clear derekict structures,

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