Locals in Enfield are still grappling with the loss of a centuries-old oak tree that was recently felled by a Toby Carvery restaurant.
The massive tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, was thought to be one of the largest in London.
Its removal has left many residents and environmental activists devastated.
The Discovery of the Fallen Tree
On April 3, the oak tree, which had a girth of 6.1 meters, was cut down.
However, it wasn’t until last week that Enfield Council workers stumbled upon the tree’s severed trunk and branches in Whitewebbs Park.
The size of the oak had placed it among London’s top 100 largest trees, making its loss all the more significant.
Toby Carvery’s Response
The tree sat on land leased by the Enfield Toby Carvery, and the restaurant chain has since admitted to the felling.
A spokesperson for Mitchells and Butlers, the parent company of Toby Carvery, stated that the tree posed a “serious health and safety risk” and was removed to ensure the safety of both employees and guests.
The spokesperson further explained that no Tree Preservation Order (TPO) was in place, and the tree was already dead before it was felled.
The company assured that all legal requirements were followed and credited their expert contractors for identifying the hazard promptly.
Despite this, the tree’s removal has sparked outrage among the community.
Outrage and Calls for Action
Environmental experts, including Russell Miller, have condemned the felling, with Miller calling it the “worst example” of inappropriate tree removal he has ever seen.
Prior to Toby Carvery’s admission, Adam Cormack, the Woodland Trust’s head of campaigning, expressed concerns over the lack of information and urged anyone with knowledge of the situation to come forward.
Cormack emphasized that incidents like this highlight the vulnerability of ancient trees, which, despite their historical significance, often lack legal protection.
Local Outrage and the Push for Justice
Ed Allnut, a local resident and secretary of the Guardians of Whitewebbs group, voiced the community’s frustration.
He described the loss of the tree as a blow to both Enfield and the nation’s heritage, stating that locals want answers and assurances that other trees in the area are being properly protected.
Ergin Erbil, leader of Enfield Council, also expressed his disappointment.
While the council was not informed of the felling until recently, they have since taken swift action.
A full inspection of the site was conducted, and the matter has been reported to the police as criminal damage.
Enfield Council has now placed a Tree Preservation Order on the stump and is exploring ways to help the tree regenerate.
Broader Implications for Tree Protection
This incident comes on the heels of growing concerns about the protection of England’s most significant trees.
A recent report by the Tree Council and Forest Research called for more robust protections for trees, following the controversial felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in 2023.
The trial of the two men accused of felling the Sycamore Gap tree is set to begin later this month in Newcastle.
The Woodland Trust has also been actively advocating for stronger tree preservation laws, including the introduction of a list of nationally important heritage trees.
A petition supporting this cause garnered over 100,000 signatures, and a bill to protect heritage trees is currently under consideration in the House of Lords.
The Importance of Oak Trees
Oak trees, like the one lost in Enfield, are crucial for UK wildlife, providing habitats for more than 2,300 species.
They also play an essential role in combating climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
The removal of such a significant tree highlights the need for better protections for ancient and important trees across the country.
What’s Next for Tree Protection?
As the community and environmental groups rally for justice, the debate over tree protection laws continues.
Enfield Council’s actions are just the beginning, and there is growing public support for national legislation to safeguard heritage trees.
This case serves as a reminder of the fragility of our natural heritage and the urgent need for stronger legal protections to prevent further losses of iconic trees.