North London Restaurant Chain Faces Eviction After Unauthorised Felling of Ancient Oak
Enfield Council has demanded a public apology and is pursuing legal eviction proceedings against restaurant chain Toby Carvery after its owner felled a centuries-old oak tree without permission. The council described the destruction of the Whitewebbs Oak as a reckless act that has caused irreversible damage to the borough's natural heritage.
Centuries-Old Tree Destroyed Without Consultation
The hundred-year-old oak, which had been listed on the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Inventory since 2020, was felled in Whitewebbs Park last April. The 20-meter-high tree, sometimes known as the Guy Fawkes Oak, was growing on land leased by Mitchell & Butlers PLC, the parent company of Toby Carvery.
Enfield Council states the tree was felled without any prior correspondence or consultation, in clear breach of the lease agreement governing the site. The council estimates the tree had approximately 80 more years to live and may have supported up to 2,000 species including bats, birds, insects and fungi.
Legal Proceedings and Community Outrage
Enfield Council has served a formal Section 146 notice on Mitchells & Butlers for serious breaches of their lease and has initiated forfeiture proceedings in Edmonton County Court. The council reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police, who investigated but found no evidence of criminality in relation to the tree's felling.
Cllr Tim Leaver, Deputy Leader of Enfield Council, said: 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.
Contractors' Actions and Environmental Impact
Contractors reportedly cut off the tree's main stem, ancient pollard poles and branches, leaving a main stump approximately four meters tall and a lopped pollard pole about six meters in height. The council is seeking financial reparations for the irreversible damage caused and compensation for the significant costs incurred.
This centuries-old tree was an irreplaceable part of Enfield's natural heritage, added Cllr Leaver. The people of Enfield deserve accountability. This case is about upholding our duty to protect our environment and our shared heritage.
Restaurant Chain's Response and Future Proceedings
A spokesperson for Toby Carvery stated: There will be no further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. Enfield Council has indicated that a trial should take place later this year or early in 2027 as they seek to evict Mitchell & Butlers from the Whitewebbs Park premises.
The council has made clear they will do everything within their power to ensure justice for the Whitewebbs Oak and to demonstrate that such disregard for the borough's environmental assets will not be tolerated.
