Toby Carvery is facing potential legal action from a local council concerning the removal of an ancient oak tree in a north London park.

Widespread public outcry has erupted against the restaurant chain after it unceremoniously cut down the estimated 500-year-old tree on April 3.

On Wednesday, Enfield Council, which had leased the parkland for Toby Carvery’s parking facility, intensified its conflict with the business by questioning the justification for the tree’s removal and signaling its intention to pursue legal action.

This development followed claims from Mitchells & Butlers Retail (M&BR), the parent company of Toby Carvery, asserting that the tree was “mostly dead and diseased” and represented a danger to public safety.

Council leader Ergin Erbil refuted these claims, stating, “We have proof that the tree was alive and beginning to sprout new spring leaves at the time of its removal. Our team of specialists assessed the tree in December 2024 and concluded that it was healthy and posed no threat to the adjacent parking facility or its users.”

He further expressed, “Given that the tree shows evident signs of vitality, we will do everything possible to support its regrowth.”

The council had previously reported Toby Carvery to the Metropolitan Police; however, law enforcement opted not to pursue further action due to the absence of a preservation order on the tree. The police investigation was officially closed on Tuesday, determining it to be a civil issue.

Erbil commented, “While the police regard this as a civil matter, we will continue to pursue appropriate legal remedies.”

He added, “As the landowner, we believe this action constitutes a violation of the lease agreement, which requires Toby Carvery to maintain and safeguard the existing landscape. The tree was the oldest on the property, and its removal appears to clearly contravene this stipulation.”

“We are therefore seeking guidance and intend to take suitable legal measures. If any unlawful activities are discovered during our inquiry, we will not hesitate to report these to the police again.”

Erbil expressed his outrage that Toby Carvery proceeded to “destroy this magnificent ancient oak without obtaining any permissions or consulting with Enfield council.”

He remarked, “This tree served as a habitat for countless wildlife, fungi, and pollinators. It is an integral part of our ecological and cultural heritage.”

The Woodland Trust emphasized that the oak in Whitewebbs Park provided a crucial habitat for numerous species, including endangered deadwood beetles.

Ed Pyne, the Woodland Trust’s senior conservation adviser for trees, remarked, “This tree felling is the most shocking I’ve encountered in my over ten years of working with ancient trees. Many, including myself, consider this to be ecologically far more significant than the Sycamore Gap incident — and irreplaceable.”

He noted, “Ancient oaks foster exceptional biodiversity, creating habitats that take centuries to develop. Younger trees can simply not replicate that, nor can they do so quickly.”

He continued, “The species diversity associated with ancient trees like the one at Whitewebbs is among the most threatened in Europe.”

Ed Allnut, a resident of Enfield and secretary of the Guardians of Whitewebbs group, echoed the local desire for justice related to the old oak.

He stated, “The tree was a part of Enfield’s and our national heritage. Personally, I’m heartbroken. We seek answers and assurances that the remaining trees in the area are being properly protected.”

M&BR has been contacted for a statement.

Sources indicate that M&BR plans to undertake a review of the incident to assess the appropriateness of the decision to fell the tree. CEO Phil Urban aims to respond to all complaints regarding the tree’s destruction.

A company insider has stated that Urban intends to apologize for the distress caused, while not conceding that the action taken was incorrect.