Sycamore Gap near Crag Lough on Hadrian's Wall. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Two men have been charged with criminal damage in connection with the felling of the tree at Sycamore Gap.

Northumbria Police said the men, aged 31 and 38, both from Cumbria, will appear in court next month.

The tree, at a site on Hadrian’s Wall close to Once Brewed, was chopped down overnight in September 2023. Two national trails, the Pennine Way and the Hadrian’s Wall Path, pass the location.

The destruction of the mature sycamore tree caused outrage nationally.

The two men were charged on Tuesday afternoon with damage to the tree and to Hadrian’s Wall, a scheduled ancient monument and Unesco world heritage site.

Northumbria Police said: “The men were originally arrested last October in connection with the incident and had been on bail since that date.

“We recognise the strength of feeling the felling has caused. However, we would remind people to avoid speculation, including online, which could impact the ongoing case.

“We would further ask that anyone with information, who has not already come forward, contact us via the Report page of our website or by calling 101 quoting NP-20230928-0295.