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April 20, 2025

Anna Murray 

On April 16, Enfield Council, a North London local authority, condemned the felling of a 500-year-old oak tree outside a Toby Carvery restaurant in north London, calling the act “an outrage” and announcing it is weighing legal options. The company’s decision to remove the tree came despite a March 2024 planning document describing it as a “fine specimen” with centuries of life remaining.

The oak, located on council-owned land leased to Toby Carvery, was cut down after contractors cited safety concerns. Its remains were discovered by local authorities on April 3. Although the council alerted the police, no further action was taken as the tree was not protected by a preservation order.

The tree’s destruction has triggered public backlash and concern from environmental groups, who view it as a significant loss to the area’s natural heritage. The Woodland Trust described the tree as one of London’s most important ancient oaks, and efforts are now underway to explore possibilities for regrowth.