Ancient oak tree cut down by Toby Carvery

In a controversial move, Toby Carvery has cut down a 500-year-old oak tree in north London, citing health and safety concerns after the tree was found dead. Located near Whitewebbs Park, the tree was a significant part of the local landscape, boasting a girth of 6 meters, and was listed on the Woodland Trust's ancient tree inventory. Following the incident, an emergency tree preservation order was enacted to protect what remains of the tree. Local residents have expressed their heartbreak, with community members and conservationists calling the action a loss to national heritage. Enfield Council has reported the matter as potential criminal damage, although police investigations have not yielded evidence of wrongdoing.

Experts have voiced their dismay, stressing that ancient oaks are invaluable and should be preserved. The Woodland Trust has underscored the need for legislative measures to protect such trees, emphasizing that their loss is a significant cultural and ecological blow. This incident follows heightened awareness around tree preservation, particularly after the recent destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland.