Police Investigate Illegal Felling of 500-Year-Old Oak Tree in North London

The ancient oak in Whitewebbs Wood, valued for its unparalleled ecological significance, was felled earlier this month, prompting community outrage and a criminal investigation.

The centuries-old oak tree, estimated to be between 450 and 500 years old, was illegally felled in Whitewebbs Wood on April 3, 2025.
Enfield Council has placed a tree preservation order on the site and is working with the Metropolitan Police, which is treating the felling as criminal damage.
Experts emphasize the tree’s irreplaceable ecological role, supporting thousands of species and surpassing the biodiversity value of the Sycamore Gap tree felled in 2023.
Conservationists and local residents have expressed outrage, calling the incident a national loss and urging stronger protections for ancient trees.
Scientific analysis of the tree’s growth rings confirmed its age and highlighted its potential to survive for another century if not felled.