There is a hole in the heart of the rolling hills of northern England. A majestic sycamore tree that once sat symmetrically between two hills along Hadrian’s Wall was mysteriously felled in 2023.

“We’re still devastated by it,” said Catherine Cape, who runs a small guest cabin nearby. “I can’t drive past it. … I just don’t like looking at the space there.”

Cape will be among those paying attention this week when prosecutors in Newcastle Crown Court begin presenting their case Monday against two men accused of toppling the famous Sycamore Gap tree and damaging the ancient wall.

Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, have pleaded not guilty to two counts each of criminal damage. Prosecutors said the value of the tree exceeded 620,000 pounds ($826,000) and damage to the wall was assessed at 1,100 pounds ($1,466).

  • datavoid@lemmy.mlEnglish
    13·
    4 hours ago

    A criminal prosecution for cutting down a tree is rare and the potential for any prison time for such an offense — not to mention that the maximum penalty for criminal damage is 10 years behind bars — is possibly unprecedented, said attorney Sarah Dodd who specializes in tree law.

    Is tree law related to bird law?