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Legal Action Over 500-Year-Old Oak's Felling Sparks Outrage

4/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ground Control was identified as the contractor responsible for the unauthorized felling of a 500-year-old oak in Whitewebbs Park, north London, tied to the Toby Carvery chain.
Mitchells & Butler Retail (MBR) said the tree was diseased and posed a safety risk, but experts disputed this, sparking outrage and parliamentary questions.
Enfield council has initiated legal action against MBR for the damage.

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Story summary

Ground Control was identified as the contractor responsible for the unauthorized felling of a 500-year-old oak in Whitewebbs Park, north London, tied to the Toby Carvery chain.
Mitchells & Butler Retail (MBR) said the tree was diseased and posed a safety risk, but experts disputed this, sparking outrage and parliamentary questions.
Enfield council has initiated legal action against MBR for the damage.