The landmark, a focal point along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was cut down in what Northumbria Police described as a “deliberate act of vandalism”.

The force said in December a man in his 60s and a 16-year-old boy arrested in connection with the felling, would face no further action.

The park authority said a fence had been placed around the remaining stump so it could be left alone but still be seen.

“We are looking to see how nature responds at the site,” a spokesman added.

“The original tree stump remains in situ, in the hope it will regrow in time.

“While we wait, there will not be another intervention at the site for now.

“To give the tree the best chance of regrowth, there is a need to protect the stump – without detracting from people’s experience of the site.”