Overview

• Enfield Council is suing Mitchell & Butlers, claiming the felling of the 500-year-old oak in Whitewebbs Park violated lease obligations to protect the landscape.
• The tree was valued at £1 million under the CAVAT system, reflecting its ecological and cultural significance, and potential damages could reach this amount.
• Mitchell & Butlers stated the tree was removed due to safety concerns, citing contractor advice that it was dead and posed a risk, a claim disputed by the council.
• A December 2024 inspection by council experts found the tree healthy and not a danger, with evidence it was growing new spring leaves before being cut down.
• The Forestry Commission is investigating whether a felling licence was required, while the Metropolitan Police has closed its inquiry, treating the matter as civil.