In a shocking turn of events, the felling of a 450-year-old oak tree in Whitewebbs Park, north London, has ignited outrage among local residents, conservationists, and environmental groups. The tree, which was cut down earlier this month, was claimed by the pub chain Toby Carvery to have been a "serious health and safety risk" and allegedly dead prior to its removal. However, subsequent investigations revealed green shoots sprouting from the tree's stump, contradicting the company's claims.
On April 14, 2025, a spokesperson for Mitchells & Butlers, the parent company of Toby Carvery, stated that the decision to fell the tree was made after receiving advice from arboriculture contractors. They asserted that the tree posed a danger due to its proximity to the car park. Yet, when the Enfield Dispatch visited the site the following day, the evidence suggested otherwise, as vibrant green shoots were visible on the felled trunk.
The incident has not only provoked local anger but has also drawn the attention of the Woodland Trust, which has long advocated for stronger protections for ancient trees. Adam Cormack, head of campaigning at the Woodland Trust, expressed his dismay, stating, "This depressing sight is a reminder to all of us that not every ancient tree is in a safe place. Legally protected status for heritage trees like the Whitewebbs oak is long overdue." He further emphasized the ecological significance of such trees, which support over 2,300 species.
Local councillors, including David Skelton, Hannah Dyson, and Reece Fox, condemned the felling, describing it as a deeply concerning development. They issued a joint statement expressing their distress over the loss of a tree of such historical significance and called for an investigation into how it was left unprotected. The council leader, Ergin Erbil, confirmed that the incident is being treated as criminal damage and has been reported to the police. He stated, "We are treating the matter as criminal damage and have reported it to the police. We have now placed a legal protection [Tree Preservation Order] on the tree and are looking at ways to help it grow back."
The Whitewebbs oak, estimated to have a girth of 6.1 metres, was listed among the top 100 of London's 600,000 oak trees for size. It was particularly notable for its historical significance, as it was located near Whitewebbs House, the site associated with the planning of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Cormack highlighted that the tree was alive during key historical events, making its loss even more poignant.
Environmental campaigners have rallied around the cause, with many expressing their devastation over the felling. Benny Hawksbee, a member of the Guardians of Whitewebbs group, lamented, "The tree belonged to Enfield and to our national heritage. I am devastated. We want answers and guarantees that the other trees here are being protected properly." Another local resident, Ed Allnutt, echoed these sentiments, stating, "This was a special tree; there are probably only 100 of its age left in London. We want justice for the felling."
In response to the uproar, Toby Carvery reiterated their position, claiming that the tree was cut down to protect the safety of their employees and guests. A spokesperson remarked, "We took every necessary measure to ensure all legal requirements were met. We are grateful to our expert contractors for warning us of this hazard so swiftly, allowing us to act before anyone was harmed." However, the lack of a Tree Preservation Order at the time of the felling has raised serious questions about the oversight and protection of such significant trees.
The incident comes on the heels of heightened awareness regarding tree preservation, particularly following the controversial felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland in September 2023. That event sparked national outrage and has led to calls for more robust protections for ancient trees across the UK. The Woodland Trust's Living Legends petition, which aims to secure legal status for heritage trees, has garnered over 100,000 signatures and was presented to Downing Street in November 2023.
Experts in ecology have weighed in on the significance of the Whitewebbs oak. Jon Stokes, director of trees, science and research at The Tree Council, described the felling as shocking. He noted, "Ancient oaks can live up to 1,000 years old and are as precious as our stately homes and castles. Our nation’s green heritage should be valued and protected, and we will do everything we can to achieve this."
As the investigation continues, local residents and environmentalists are calling for immediate action to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. The council has promised to work closely with the police as they continue their investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the future of the remaining stump of the Whitewebbs oak hangs in the balance, with hopes that it may somehow grow back under the newly imposed Tree Preservation Order.
The felling of the Whitewebbs oak has not only left a physical void in the landscape but has also ignited a broader conversation about the need for stronger protections for ancient trees across the UK. As the community rallies together to seek justice for this loss, the call for legislative action to safeguard these irreplaceable natural treasures has never been more urgent.
