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Public invited to pick Sycamore Gap tree artwork commission
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The public is being invited to vote on which of six shortlisted artists should create an artwork from the wood of the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree. The National Trust asked artists, organisations and creative agencies to present ideas for a "nationally important" commission that would help shape the tree's next chapter by using half of its timber. The six chosen ideas were from artists in the north-east of England, Devon, London, Hampshire, London, Sussex and Bristol. The tree, which had stood in a dip along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland since the 1800s, was cut down by two men from Cumbria in September 2023. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers's act of vandalism sparked national outrage and an outpouring of grief for the widely loved landmark, with the two men subsequently jailed. National Trust public engagement director Annie Reilly said: "Each of the six proposals honours the tree in a different way, and we want people to choose the idea that captures what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to them." The public's input will contribute to 30% of the final decision, while scores from a judging panel made up of nature and art experts will make up 70%. Voting runs until 28 March. The six artists or collaborations are The wood is ready for artists to work with after being stored to season over the past 28 months. The winner will be announced later in the spring and the final artwork is expected to be completed by 2028. Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram. A fell top assessor says it was "pretty lively" as snowy conditions hit the peaks. Sporting Champions scheme aims to "cater for all sections of the community" in Bristol. Three men aged 18, and another, aged 19, remain in custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Ollie Jenks and Seth Scott drove the "life-changing" 10,000 mile journey in a Reliant Robin. Two former council depots are up for auction after they were left standing empty.