Spectacular ancient trees stir deep feelings, as the felling of Sycamore Gap showed. Here are more noble specimens, including one whose survival is a deep-rooted puzzle

The act of vandalism in which Northumberland’s famous Sycamore Gap tree was felled last month has produced an outpouring of love and grief. Locals and tourists have shared their memories of the 300-year-old former winner of England’s tree of the year competition, which stood in a gap in Hadrian’s Wall: two nearby residents even crocheted their own tribute to it.

In honour, then, of the Sycamore Gap tree, we branch out to take a look at some of the world’s best-loved and most visited dendrological specimens.