AssetID: 54674458
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Toby Carvery Sparks Outrage After Felling 500-Year-Old Oak Tree in London
Caption: Toby Carvery Sparks Outrage After Felling 500-Year-Old Oak Tree in London. Toby Carvery has apologized after cutting down a 500-year-old oak tree outside its restaurant in Whitewebbs Park, London, causing public outrage. The tree, considered one of London’s largest and most significant ancient oaks, was discovered felled on April 3, surrounded by severed branches. The massive oak had a girth of 6.1 meters and was ranked among the top 100 of London’s 600,000 oak trees, according to the Woodland Trust. The tree was healthy, with experts declaring it safe after an inspection in December, yet it was removed by the restaurant chain citing health and safety concerns. Enfield Council expressed outrage, accusing Toby Carvery of violating the lease terms, which required them to maintain and protect the landscape. The tree, which provided a habitat for wildlife and pollinators, was described as part of London’s cultural and ecological heritage, and its removal sparked calls for legal action. Toby Carvery’s parent company, Mitchells & Butlers, defended the felling, claiming it was necessary to protect public safety and meet legal requirements. CEO Phil Urban apologized for the incident, acknowledging the emotional impact of the tree’s loss and vowing to tighten company protocols. Benny Hawksbee, a local activist, said the community was devastated by the tree’s loss, stressing its importance to both Enfield and national heritage. While the Metropolitan Police closed its investigation, Enfield Council and the Woodland Trust continue to seek ways to help the oak regrow, despite the damage. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Natural World,Toby Carvery,Enfield Council,Woodland Trust,oak tree,felling,public outrage,legal action,Mitchells & Butlers,heritage,cultural significance,environmental conservation,tree protection,London
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