A legal dispute over the felling of a 500-year-old oak tree in a north London park has been resolved, with Toby Carvery's owners apologizing and agreeing to fund 1,000 new trees. The ancient oak, located in Whitewebbs Park in Enfield, was cut down in April 2025 by Mitchells & Butlers, the pub company that operates the nearby Toby Carvery. The incident sparked public outrage and a national debate about the preservation of veteran trees.
Background of the Dispute
The oak stood on land owned by Enfield Council but leased to Mitchells & Butlers. The company stated they approved the felling after an arborist deemed the tree dead. However, the Woodland Trust described it as one of the most shocking tree fellings they had ever witnessed, and a tree valuer estimated its worth at £1 million. A Forestry Commission report later found no signs of serious disease, noting the trunk was largely intact except for a cavity indicating wildlife habitation.
In January, Enfield Council initiated eviction proceedings against Mitchells & Butlers, citing serious lease breaches and a lack of meaningful engagement. The council also urged police to consider criminal damage charges, as local residents expressed devastation over the loss of the beloved tree.
Resolution and Apology
In a joint statement, Mitchells & Butlers and Enfield Council announced the matter is now closed. The company apologized for the upset caused and agreed to contribute to the cost of treating the tree stump and to donate to the Enfield Chase Landscape Restoration scheme, London's largest woodland and nature restoration initiative. The donation will fund the restoration of a historic orchard along the Ridgeway corridor, creating a publicly accessible community orchard that will enhance biodiversity and provide locally grown fruit. Additionally, it will enable the planting and maintenance of 1,000 new trees around the orchard, supporting nature recovery, climate resilience, and public access.
Commitment to the Environment
The statement emphasized that both parties remain committed to responsible environmental stewardship. Enfield Council acknowledged that Mitchells & Butlers acted on professional advice to address health and safety risks. The council's Blue and Green Strategy aligns with the donation, which also supports M&B's sustainability objectives.
The felling occurred shortly after the infamous Sycamore Gap tree incident, where a tree was illegally cut down in an act described as drunken stupidity, leading to prison sentences for those responsible.
