A restaurant chain has faced significant backlash following the removal of an ancient oak tree in London, estimated to be around 500 years old. The tree, described as one of the largest and most notable in the city by the Woodland Trust, was situated outside a Toby Carvery location in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield.
On April 3, the remains of the tree were found, cut down by contractors who claimed it posed a health and safety risk. Enfield Council, which owns the land, confirmed that the tree was alive and sprouting new leaves at the time of its removal. Council leader Ergin Erbil expressed his outrage, stating that the act violated the lease terms, which require the leaseholder to protect the existing landscape. He emphasised the ecological significance of the tree, which served as a habitat for various wildlife.
The tree measured 6.1 metres in girth, placing it within the top 100 of London’s 600,000 oak trees in terms of size. Following an expert assessment in December, the tree was deemed healthy and a potential danger to nearby facilities was ruled out. In response to the incident, an emergency tree preservation order has been placed on the remaining stump.
The parent company, Mitchells & Butlers, asserted that the tree was removed for safety reasons but faced intense criticism for not consulting the council prior to its felling. CEO Phil Urban offered an apology for the distress caused and acknowledged the emotional nature of the situation. He pledged to improve protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Local resident Benny Hawksbee expressed his devastation, highlighting the cultural and heritage importance of the tree to the community. Experts noted that ancient oaks can live for up to a millennium, and Erbil confirmed that the stump has shown signs of life, indicating efforts will be made to assist in the tree’s regrowth.
As the Metropolitan Police Service has deemed the matter a civil issue, the council is considering legal action against the restaurant chain. The incident has reignited discussions about tree preservation in the UK, reflecting a broader concern over the management of significant natural landmarks.