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“The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree has shown just how much nature and landscape mean to people, to their very wellbeing,” Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, said.

“As stewards of the legacy of Sycamore Gap, the partners have been humbled by the outpouring of love and emotion for the tree.

“We understand the diversity of opinions surrounding a future legacy and are committed to navigating this journey with the utmost care and respect.”

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust at Hadrian’s Wall said: “We have been incredibly grateful for the support and comments that we’ve received over the last five months – thank you to everyone who has been in touch.

“It’s been important for us to read through each and every one, and to take the time to think about how we respond in ways that are fitting to this landscape and to the people who loved this tree.

“I have worked at Hadrian’s Wall for 35 years, and to hear about so many people’s personal connections to the tree – from marriage proposals to the scattering of ashes – has been a moving experience.”

In December, the National Trust reported signs of life from cuttings of the felled tree, after rare plant specialists propagated material taken from the site.

Telegraph, London

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