A centuries-old oak tree in Enfield, north London, was felled despite claims it was dead or diseased, sparking outrage among tree enthusiasts and conservationists. An investigation into the incident has been launched by the Forestry Commission.
The remains of a centuries-old oak tree in Enfield, north London, which was felled earlier this month.
An investigation has been launched by the Forestry Commission into the felling of an ancient oak tree near a Toby Carvery car park in north London. The tree, estimated to be around 500 years old, was removed despite claims that it was dead or diseased, sparking outrage among tree enthusiasts and conservationists.
Minister for Forestry, Helene Hayman, has announced the investigation, describing the incident as ‘horrifying‘. She stated that the felling of the ancient oak had opened up a nerve in the country about how important it is to protect really old trees. The Forestry Commission has new powers to sanction unauthorized felling and can impose fines or launch private prosecutions.
Helena Hayman, Baroness Hayman of Rose Rose is a British Labour Party politician.
She was born on April 11, 1949.
She served as the Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green from 1984 to 1997.
In 2001, she became a life peer and took her seat in the House of Lords.
Hayman has been involved in various charitable organizations, focusing on women's rights and social justice.
Experts who have investigated the tree’s remains say it was alive when it was felled. A recent survey conducted by Tottenham Hotspur football club described the tree as a ‘fine specimen‘. However, if confirmed that the land on which the tree stood was not leased to Toby Carvery, the company could face prosecution for criminal damage.
The incident has raised questions about ownership of the land on which the tree stood. If it is determined that MBR did not lease the land in question, the company could be liable for trespass and criminal damage. Enfield council has already threatened MBR with legal action.
Minister Hayman acknowledged concerns about inadequate protections for ancient trees. She stated that the government was reviewing recommendations from a report by the Tree Council and Forest Research on measures to improve protection for these trees. A national list of heritage trees with intrinsic protections akin to ancient monuments and listed buildings is being considered.
Tree protection laws vary globally, with countries implementing regulations to safeguard urban and rural trees.
In the United States, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to consider environmental impacts, including tree removal.
The European Union's Habitats Directive protects ancient and semi-natural woods from destruction.
Australia's Native Vegetation Act restricts land clearing for development projects.
These laws aim to preserve biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and maintain ecosystem services.
The Forestry Commission’s investigation into the felling of the ancient Enfield oak tree will examine whether MBR had a felling license to take down the tree. The incident has highlighted gaps in current tree protection laws, and the government is taking steps to address these concerns.
- theguardian.com | Forestry Commission investigates felling of ancient Enfield oak
