A centuries-old ancient oak tree in Whitewebbs Park, north London, was felled by Toby Carvery without warning, sparking outrage and legal action from the council.
A 500-year-old ancient oak tree in Whitewebbs Park, north London, has been felled without warning by the owner of Toby Carvery, a restaurant chain. The council that leased the land for the car park had previously reported the incident to the Metropolitan police, but officers decided not to take further action due to lack of preservation orders on the tree.
An ancient oak tree is a mature oak tree that has lived for hundreds of years.
These trees can live up to 600-800 years, with the oldest known being over 1,000 years old.
A Ancient oaks are often found in protected areas due to their historical and ecological significance.
They provide habitat for various species, including birds, insects, and mammals.
The trunks of ancient oak trees can grow up to 10 feet in diameter and reach heights of over 100 feet.
The Enfield council disputes Toby Carvery’s claim that the tree was ‘mostly dead and diseased‘ and posed a risk to the public. The council leader, Ergin Erbil, stated that there is evidence the tree was alive and starting to grow new spring leaves when it was cut down in April. A team of experts checked the tree in December 2024 and found it healthy and posed no risk to the neighboring car park and its users.
The Woodland Trust described the oak as an important habitat, supporting hundreds of species including endangered deadwood beetles. Ed Pyne, senior conservation adviser for trees at the trust, called the felling ‘ecologically much more significant than Sycamore Gap‘ and a ‘more irreplaceable tree‘. Ancient oaks are particularly rich in biodiversity, with habitats that take centuries to develop.
The Woodland Trust is a UK-based charity dedicated to protecting and restoring ancient woodlands.
With over 1,000 sites across the country, they work tirelessly to preserve biodiversity and provide habitats for wildlife.
The trust owns and manages many of these woodlands, while also partnering with landowners and communities to achieve their conservation goals.
Founded in 1972, the Woodland Trust has planted millions of trees and protected countless acres of woodland, contributing significantly to the UK's environmental efforts.
Local residents, including Enfield resident Ed Allnut, who is secretary of the Guardians of Whitewebbs group, expressed outrage over the destruction of the tree. They demand justice and guarantees that other trees on the site are being protected properly. Toby Carvery’s chief executive, Phil Urban, plans to conduct a review of the incident and respond to those who have complained about the tree’s destruction.
The Metropolitan police initially closed their investigation as it was deemed a civil matter. However, Ergin Erbil stated that the council will continue to take appropriate legal action and report any findings to the police if necessary.
