Toby Carvery Restaurant Faces Eviction After Felling Ancient Oak Tree in Enfield
Enfield Council has commenced eviction proceedings against the owners of a Toby Carvery restaurant in north London, following the partial felling of an oak tree believed to be up to 500 years old. The council alleges serious breaches of the lease and is treating the incident as criminal damage, with the tree described as an irreplaceable part of the area's natural heritage.
Discovery of the Felled Tree and Council Response
Council workers discovered the remains of the trunk, surrounded by severed branches, in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, last April. Residents expressed devastation at the damage, prompting Enfield Council to take swift action. The council stated that the restaurant owners, Mitchells & Butlers, had failed to engage meaningfully or make reparations for the destruction.
In a statement, Tim Leaver, deputy leader of Enfield Council, condemned the act as reckless, highlighting that it shocked and angered the community. He emphasised that the tree, sometimes known as the Guy Fawkes Oak, was felled without council knowledge or consent, in clear breach of the lease. The council is demanding a public apology, financial reparations for irreversible damage, and compensation for incurred costs.
Significance of the Ancient Oak and Environmental Impact
The Woodland Trust confirmed the tree was around 450 to 500 years old, with a huge girth measuring six metres. Conservation experts noted it is more ecologically significant than the Sycamore Gap tree, as oaks are native species supporting over 2,300 species. This underscores the severe environmental loss and the council's duty to protect shared heritage.
Mitchells & Butlers declined to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings, leaving the community awaiting accountability. Enfield Council vows to pursue justice, making it clear that such disregard for the borough's environment will not be tolerated.
