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The stump of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree could be damaged by tributes left by visitors, the National Trust said.

The charity, which along with the Northumberland National Park Authority looks after the site by Hadrian’s Wall, has added a protective cage of wire mesh netting to the fenced-off stump to protect it.

It has shown signs it could regrow after it was maliciously cut down by two men from Cumbria, but visitors leaving physical tributes could put the tree at risk, the charity said.

Andrew Poad, the site’s general manager for the National Trust, said: “This regrowth is extremely fragile. Every step on the soil or contact with the stump risks damaging the tree’s chance of recovery.”

The tree was deliberately felled by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, who travelled from Cumbria one night in September 2023 to chop it down.

They were convicted of criminal damage in July and sentenced to more than four years in prison.

The tree was a much-loved landmark that inspired photographers and artists.

Since its felling, some visitors have been leaving tributes such as stones or small items at the site by Hadrian’s Wall.

However, disturbing the remains of the tree or the ground around it could hamper any possible regrowth.

People have been asked to enjoy the site from the designated path and share their memories through “photographs and stories” rather than physical tributes.

“The regeneration of the stump offers hope to many people, and it has been uplifting to see the tree defiantly growing despite the trauma it endured,” said Tony Gates, CEO of the Northumberland National Park Authority.

“This is a moment for patience and care, allowing nature to do what it does best.”