Toby Carvery Owner Faces Backlash After 500-Year-Old Oak Felling
Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), owner of Toby Carvery, apologized for felling a 500-year-old oak tree, stating that “protocols need tightening” following the incident. The tree, a nationally significant pedunculate oak, was cut down despite a planning document identifying it as a “fine specimen” and council assertions of its longevity. M&B’s CEO attributed the felling to “good faith” action based on expert advice, though he acknowledged this was an exceptional circumstance requiring a thorough review of the company’s procedures. Following the incident, Enfield Council reported the matter to the Met Police, which deemed it a civil matter.
John Q. Hosedrinker