Ancient oak tree felled by Toby Carvery owner was still alive, investigation finds

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"A centuries-old tree that was chopped down outside a Toby Carvery restaurant by the chain's owners was still alive at the time, a Forestry Commission investigation has found. The oak tree in north London, believed to be 450 to 500 years old, was cut down on 3 April last year without permission from the council landlord, prompting widespread public anger and leaving Toby Carvery facing eviction."

The Independent requests donations to fund on-the-ground reporting across issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech while keeping content free of paywalls. The outlet positions donations as necessary to send journalists to speak to both sides and to parse facts from messaging. A 450–500-year-old oak outside the Whitewebbs House Toby Carvery in Enfield was cut down on 3 April last year without council permission. Mitchells & Butlers said experts advised the oak was dying and a public risk. A Forestry Commission inspection in late 2025 found green shoots in remaining cut wood and concluded the tree remained alive. Enfield Council estimated the tree could have had around 80 more years to live and considered it highly ecologically valuable.

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