The Metropolitan Police are currently probing the felling of a centuries-old oak tree located in north London.

Last week, council workers unearthed the remains of this oak, believed to date back as far as 500 years, in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield. An emergency preservation order has now been enforced on the base of its stump to safeguard it.

This remarkable tree, with a circumference of 6.1 meters (20 feet), was classified as a nationally important pedunculate oak and listed in the Woodland Trust’s inventory of ancient trees.

Local resident and member of the Guardians of Whitewebbs, Benny Hawksbee, expressed his devastation, stating, “This tree was part of Enfield and our national heritage.”

Enfield Council’s leader, Ergin Erbil, indicated that they were treating the incident as criminal damage and have notified the police about it.

He further said, “We have instituted a legal safeguard (Tree Preservation Order) on the tree and are exploring options to facilitate its regrowth.”

Erbil assured that they would collaborate closely with law enforcement as their investigation proceeds.

Jon Stokes, the Tree Council’s director of trees, science, and research, described the destruction of such a “brilliant” tree as alarming.

He emphasized, “Ancient oaks can endure for up to 1,000 years and hold the same significance as our grand estates and castles. The green heritage of our nation must be cherished and defended, and we are committed to doing so.”

Adam Cormack, who leads campaigning efforts at the Woodland Trust, lamented the tree’s loss as “devastating.”

He noted, “At this stage, we don’t know who is responsible for this act or the motivation behind it, and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward and inform the police. This unfortunate sight serves as a reminder that not all ancient trees are secure.”

Cormack highlighted the rarity of such a mature oak being cut down. He added, “It’s high time that we establish legally protected status for heritage trees, such as the Whitewebbs Oak.”

The Woodland Trust recently submitted its Living Legends petition, which seeks to secure such protection for heritage trees, garnering over 100,000 signatures before being presented at Downing Street in November.

The importance of tree preservation has gained attention following the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree in September 2023, which led to public outcry when it was felled.

Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both from Cumbria, have been charged with causing more than £600,000 in criminal damage. Their trial is set to commence on April 28 at Newcastle Crown Court.