Ancient oak tree was healthy when it was cut down by Toby Carvery restaurant, report finds

"Confirmation that the Whitewebbs Oak was alive at the time of its felling felt inevitable. I visited the tree in the aftermath and there was absolutely no doubt in my mind the tree was very much alive. There were still green shoots and healthy buds and, in fact, just before the felling, tree VETcert-qualified consultants found the tree was in good health with a full crown."

"It's tragic that, under lopping and topping exceptions, an irreplaceable tree was mutilated, because lopping and topping is outdated and no longer considered an appropriate management technique for trees. The ancient oak tree in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, north London was mysteriously felled."

"The habitat this tree provided took centuries to develop and cannot be instantly replaced by planting younger trees. Any tree that has stood for centuries brings incredible value for biodiversity and a wealth of other benefits. These ancient trees are living legends, amazing heritage monuments."

The Whitewebbs Oak, an ancient tree in Enfield, north London, was felled by Mitchells & Butlers after an arborist claimed it was dead. However, a Forestry Commission report confirmed the tree was healthy with no signs of serious disease and an intact trunk. The tree, potentially over 400 years old and linked to the Gunpowder Plot, provided irreplaceable biodiversity habitat developed over centuries. Experts emphasize that ancient trees offer immense ecological and cultural value that cannot be quickly replaced through replanting. The felling was permitted under outdated lopping and topping exceptions, prompting calls for stronger legal protections for heritage trees.

Read at www.standard.co.uk