Could the tree at Sycamore Gap be saved - and why is it so famous?

The National Trust have said they are "shocked and saddened" after one of the UK's most famous trees was "deliberately felled".

The tree at Sycamore Gap was nestled in a dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall, but is no longer standing.

In a statement, the conservation charity - which protects historic places and green spaces - asked that people "keep away" from the site while they assess the work needed to be done to make the area safe.

"We're very grateful for all the offers of support we've received from people in the North East of England and much further afield. It's clear this tree was special to many people," the trust said.

The statement follows an outpouring of anger, as the tree was a landmark for walkers and photographers alike.

A 16-year-old was detained on suspicion of causing criminal damage but later released on bail.

Can the tree regrow?

One expert told Sky News it was unlikely the tree could be saved.

John Parker, chief executive officer at The Arboricultural Association, said "there is a chance" of some shoots at the bottom, but "the tree will never be able to re-establish itself to the way it was before".

However, Jon Stokes, from The Tree Council, said it was "worth having hope".

He told Sky News: "At this time of year, trees begin to store energy in their roots for next year's growing season - and it is possible that the tree may grow some new shoots next spring."

National Trust general manager Andrew Poad told BBC Breakfast the stump was "healthy" and they might be able to coppice the tree.

This is an ancient woodland management technique where shoots grow from the base of the trunk.

It is usually used to insure a regular source of timber. Hazel is coppiced on an eight-year cycle, while chestnut has a cycle of 15-20 years.

Why is it so famous?

It is one of the most photographed trees in the world, sitting at Sycamore Gap next to Hadrian's wall.

The tree is reportedly 300 years old and was planted between 1860 and 1890, according to the National Trust.

It is also known as the 'Robin Hood Tree' after it featured in the 1991 Hollywood film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, which starred Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

It was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016.

"The tree has been an important and iconic feature in the landscape for nearly 200 years and means a lot to the local community and to anyone who has visited the site," Mr Poad said.

It has also been the site of proposals, and the scattering of ashes.

Brendon Hayward proposed to his wife Sinead in January 2019 beneath the tree.

"The tree was precious to me because I'd hoped we could revisit it as a family as our children got older," he told Sky News.

"I chose the place to propose because the tree would grow with time and hopefully be there in 50 or 100 years. I'm gutted."