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Enfield Council Pursues Legal Action Over Felling of 500-Year-Old Oak Tree

The council accuses Toby Carvery of breaching lease terms by cutting down a living ancient tree, while the Metropolitan Police classify the incident as a civil matter.

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The felling was described by an ecology expert as “the worst example I’ve ever seen of inappropriate tree surgery”

Overview

  • The ancient oak tree in Whitewebbs Park, estimated to be 400-500 years old, was felled by contractors for Toby Carvery on April 3, 2025.
  • Enfield Council asserts the tree was alive and beginning to grow new spring leaves, contradicting claims by Mitchell & Butlers that it was dead and posed a safety risk.
  • The council has initiated legal action against Toby Carvery, alleging a breach of lease terms requiring the maintenance and protection of the landscape.
  • The Metropolitan Police have determined the case to be a civil matter due to the absence of a preservation order on the tree.
  • Environmentalists and local residents have condemned the felling, highlighting the tree's ecological and cultural significance and calling for stronger protections for ancient trees.