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On April 3rd, 2025, a 500-year-old ancient oak tree, nestled on the edge of the Toby Carvery car park in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, was felled without public warning or council permission. The act has triggered national outrage, community grief, and calls for urgent reform in tree protection laws.
Love Your Doorstep has been following this story closely, sharing updates from our community, speaking to experts, and keeping residents informed on what happens next.
The Tree and Its Significance:
The oak, listed in the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory, was not just any tree—it was a living monument. Experts estimate it had stood for up to 500 years, offering sanctuary to over 2,000 species and bearing witness to centuries of history.
Local residents, campaigners, and conservationists had long considered the tree a landmark of both ecological and emotional importance.
What Happened:
Mitchells & Butlers PLC, the owners of Toby Carvery, admitted responsibility for the felling, initially claiming the tree was dead and a safety risk. However, following public outcry and expert assessment revealing new green shoots, the company retracted their original statement.
No permission was sought from Enfield Council, who owns the land, nor was the tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order at the time. This legal gap has since raised serious questions about how we protect ancient trees on privately leased public land.
Community Reaction:
The local community, led by Guardians of Whitewebbs and backed by the Woodland Trust, has expressed devastation and fury.
Benny Hawksbee, a local biologist and chair of Guardians of Whitewebbs, reflected, “I didn’t realise its felling would have such an impact on me.”
Sam Gracie Tillbrook, an 18-year-old Enfield resident and campaigner, said: “This is a horrific crime. I can’t imagine what type of person would decimate a tree like this.”
What Experts Are Saying:
Tree experts, including Russell Miller and Thor’s Trees (who Love Your Doorstep called for assessment), have confirmed the tree was alive and of national ecological significance. The Woodland Trust has publicly condemned the action, comparing the loss to the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.
Legal and Political Fallout:
Enfield Council has confirmed it is exploring all legal avenues. While the Metropolitan Police has dropped its investigation, calling it a civil matter, the outrage continues.
Campaigners are calling for automatic protections for ancient trees to prevent such an environmental tragedy from happening again.
Guardians of Whitewebbs have expressed concern pointing out that Odyzean Ltd—a subsidiary of ENIC, which owns Tottenham Hotspur—holds a 56.61% stake in Mitchells & Butlers PLC. This link raises further questions about the future of Whitewebbs Park, which has already been under scrutiny due to development plans.
How You Can Help:
Guardians of Whitewebbs are encouraging everyone to:
Final Thoughts:
This isn’t just about one tree—it’s about how we value nature, heritage, and community voice. Love Your Doorstep stands with those fighting to protect Enfield’s green spaces. We will continue to share updates, raise awareness, and support efforts to ensure this never happens again.
