Toby Carvery Faces Eviction After Felling 500-Year-Old Oak Tree in Enfield Park
A Toby Carvery restaurant in north London is confronting eviction from its premises after sparking widespread fury by cutting down a 500-year-old oak tree. The ancient tree, which stood proudly in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, was felled on April 3 last year, leading to severe repercussions for the pub chain.
Council Condemns 'Reckless Act' and Launches Legal Action
Enfield Council, which leases the land to Mitchells & Butlers, the parent company of Toby Carvery, has initiated eviction proceedings following what it describes as serious breaches of the lease. The council revealed that an inspection in December 2024 found the tree to be healthy and posing no risk, contradicting earlier claims by the company.
Cllr Tim Leaver, Deputy Leader of Enfield Council, stated: 'The destruction of the ancient Whitewebbs Oak was a reckless act which caused huge damage to the tree and cut its expected lifespan. It shocked and angered our entire community.' He emphasised that the tree, sometimes known as the Guy Fawkes Oak, was an irreplaceable part of Enfield's natural heritage and was felled without the council's knowledge or consent.
Company Admits Felling but Cites Expert Advice
Mitchells & Butlers admitted that its contractors cut down the tree after acting on advice from employed tree experts who assessed it as dying and a risk to the public. However, this justification has been met with scepticism and anger from local residents and authorities.
A spokesperson for Toby Carvery said: 'There will be no further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.' This statement comes as the council demands a public apology and financial reparations for the irreversible damage caused.
Environmental Impact and Community Outrage
The felled oak tree supported an estimated 2,000 species, including birds, bats, insects, and fungi, and had a life expectancy of more than 80 years. Tree valuer Russell Miller estimated its value at £1 million, describing it as 'much older and much more valuable' than the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland.
Mr Miller explained: 'This tree is designated as an irreplaceable habitat because it's got decay features and habitats within it that you cannot replace within hundreds of years.' He highlighted the ecological significance, noting the thousands of invertebrate species and various niches within the tree.
Comparisons to Sycamore Gap and Legal Consequences
The incident has drawn comparisons to the felling of the landmark Sycamore Gap tree, which was valued at over £620,000. Environmental campaigners and locals have decried the loss as devastating, with Enfield Council treating the matter as criminal damage.
Cllr Leaver added: 'We will do everything within our power to ensure justice for the Whitewebbs Oak and seek to make it clear that such reckless disregard for our borough will never be tolerated.' The council has served a formal Section 146 notice on Mitchells & Butlers and started forfeiture proceedings due to the company's failure to engage meaningfully or make reparations.
Residents expressed their devastation, and the council's actions underscore a broader commitment to protecting environmental heritage and holding corporations accountable for their impact on local communities.
