Have you ever heard of the Sycamore Gap tree? If you're not British, you probably haven't - but you may well have seen it. That's because it gained fame from being in the iconic 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where it got its other name.
But the whole Robin Hood tree saga ended in tragedy, despite its iconic nature. It was felled in 2023, and two people were jailed for the act just last year.
But the National Trust, which oversees natural conservation areas and historical sites across the Isles, looked to, well, conserve it. They gave the tree a second life by giving offshoots to several national parks across the country.
They explained in a statement at the time that it was a "symbol of hope and resilience among our most protected landscapes."
But now, in a wild turn of events, one of its young children has been stolen. It's not clear whether it was a Robin Hood act in itself. At least I personally wouldn't say national parks are rich, but maybe that's just me?
In any case, it was stolen from Wray Castle, located in Cumbria in England, some time in June. As reported by the Independent, the Lake District National Park reported the robbery to authorities not long after it happened.
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The National Trust Released a Statement About the Robin Hood Tree Theft
In a statement, the National Trust said, "We are shocked and saddened that a sapling from the Sycamore Gap tree that was gifted to the Lake District National Park and planted at Wray in April 2026 has been stolen."
"Grown from seeds gathered from the much-loved tree at Hadrian's Wall, which was illegally felled in 2023, it was one of fifteen saplings planted across the UK's National Parks as a symbol of hope and resilience among our most protected landscapes," they continued.
"This tree symbolised resilience and renewal, and its loss will be deeply felt." They added that they were working with Cumbria Police, who were investigating the incident.
Their statement concluded, "While this is a setback, it does not undermine the spirit the tree represents. Acts of care, restoration, and community support remain far stronger."
