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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Matthew Weaver

Toby Carvery to fund orchard replanting as settlement for felling ancient oak

An oak tree is cordoned off
The 500-year-old oak was felled in April 2025, with experts disputing the chain’s claim it was dying. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The UK restaurant chain Toby Carvery has settled a legal dispute over taking a chainsaw to an ancient oak tree without permission, by agreeing to pay to restore a lost orchard.

The unauthorised partial felling of the 500-year-old oak next to a Toby Carvery car park in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, north London, in April last year, prompted widespread public outrage and questions in parliament.

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