Vandalism

Rural vandalism hit the headlines with the destruction of the 'Robin Hood Tree' (featuring in Kevin Costner's film of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) at Sycamore Gap in nearby Northumberland. The sycamore standing alongside Hadrian's Wall is believed to be one of the most photographed trees in the UK.

It is no more.

Shocking as this event has been, vandalism is no stranger to rural communities. It is the same mindset that is the origin of many wildfires. The remoteness of many of these areas is clearly an issue in answering the 'how can this happen?', though the why is rarely obvious.

Nor is vandalism the worst of crime across the uplands, with incidents of theft from farms all too common. Remarkable in the story of the wanton destruction of a natural icon at Sycamore Gap is that reports indicate someone has been identified who may be responsible - a rare success in identifying the perpetrator of rural crime.

Image: James Little (C)

It will be difficult, and no speedy effort, to restore the view that has graced Sycamore Gap for many years though all seasons. Hopefully, the speed in which someone may be held to account might just discourage others from treating nature, landscape and our uplands with such indifference, disrespect and pointless destruction.